Member Article

Sparks Fly As Competition Heats Up

TWO apprentices from Leeds College of Building have been selected to participate in two national competitions that will see electrical and heating students compete to be named as the best apprentice in England and Wales.

Joe Vairy, aged 18, is completing a Level 3 Electrical Apprenticeship and has been selected by lecturer Michael Cooper to represent Leeds College of Building in the UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition, which is organised by electrical trade magazine SPARKS.

In addition, 21 year old Ezra Hinchcliffe will compete for the title of UK Heating Apprentice of the Year, hosted by HIP which is a specialist magazine for plumbing and heating students. Ezra is completing a Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship and was chosen to represent the college by lecturer Chris Boyle.

Both competitions will see students compete in six regional heats, during January and February, and the winners from each of these competitions will progress to the national finals which will be held next April. As well as the kudos of being named the UK’s best apprentice, the winner of both competitions will receive thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment.

Ian Billyard, Principal at Leeds College of Building, says: “We’re really looking forward to seeing how Joe and Ezra perform in these two prestigious competitions. The pair continually produce work that meets an exceptional standard and this is a great opportunity for them to benchmark themselves against other apprentices in terms of their practical and technical skills. There’s no doubt they both have what it takes to go all the way in these competitions.”

Celia Matthews, competition organiser, says: “Students get a lot out of the competition. They make new friends, gain confidence in their abilities and enjoy the challenge of the competition.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steven Wright .