Member Article

TyneMet Electrical student has the SPARK

A Level 2 Electrical student, from TyneMet College, recently did really well in the regional SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition.

Joe Hakin, aged 20 from Whitley Bay, studies the City & Guilds 2850 Electrical and Electronics Technology Certificate in Engineering & three electrical units of the Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations at TyneMet Colleges’ IGNITE Centre for Engineering and Innovation.

The regional heat took place at Newcastle College on Tuesday 17th January and he was up against seven other colleges. Joe was the only Level 2 learner in the competition, the other seven were all Level 3 Apprentices that work onsite.

Joe said: “The regional competition was a really good experience. We had five hours to fit the products that were in a bay where there was a lighting circuit in conduit and a ring main circuit with fused spur.

“It is thanks to TyneMet and the great support and tutoring I get that I felt confident enough to take part in the competition and to come in 5th place was amazing!”

The competition required apprentices to be located in an individual bay and fix a series of complex problems within either an electrical or heating installation set-up. Competitors work was judged by an independent industry expert, as well as getting to network with industry leaders.

Lee Lowdon, Curriculum Co-ordinator – Building Services at TyneMet College, said: “I entered Joe into the competition because I knew he was capable. He has taken to electrical installations really quickly and is confident and competent in what he does.

“We’re hoping that he will be able to secure a great apprenticeship once his course has finished, he would be such a brilliant asset to any company!”

Top companies like EAL, Starrett, Megger and Hager were also in attendance to give presentations to the competitors and their assessors and tutors.

Launched in 2010, the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competitions give student the chance to be recognised for their hard work and skills. It’s a great opportunity for lecturers, employers, industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved and support the next generation of electricians.

IGNITE delivers a comprehensive range of training solutions in Engineering and STEM disciplines to increase local skills for the manufacturing sectors operating across the North East.

For more information about Engineering courses that TyneMet College have on offer, visit www.tynemet.ac.uk/engineering, call 0191 229 5000 or email enquiries@tynemet.ac.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by TyneMet College .