SkillELECTRIC 2012 winner announced
Eighteen-year-old William Falconer from C & E Electrical has been crowned the 2012 SkillELECTRIC champion after three days of intense practical competition at The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Competitors battled it out alongside some 60 other skills competitions which showcased the best up and coming talent across a range of occupations.
Finalists in the SkillELECTRIC competition had to install a complicated set of four circuits with various components and equipment, simulated motors and fire protection cabling.
William, a student at North West Regional College in Northern Ireland, supported by SkillBUILD NI, beat nine other competitors to take the gold medal after judges scored him most highly against strict criteria including positioning of equipment, functionality, installation quality, wiring and termination, inspection and testing, and health and safety. A silver medal was awarded to Matthew Fletcher of Addinalls Ltd, a student at Cornwall College St Austell. Martin Rose of Protech Electrical Ltd – a student at City of Bristol College/JTL - took the bronze medal.
Speaking after his win, William Falconer said: “It was exciting but nerve-wracking to be part of this competition because we were one of lots of competitions going on and there were lots of people watching us. Being under that sort of pressure really brings out the best in you, though and I was pleased with what I did. I am proud to have won, as there were so many really talented people competing. Thank you to my employer and to my college as they helped me learn the skills I needed to win.”
Neil Collishaw of SummitSkills, organiser of the competition, said: “Congratulations to William. The focus and determination shown by all of our competitors is an inspiration and this time we hope they have inspired some of the visitors to the Skills Show to think about a career in the electrotechnical industry.”
For more information about next year’s SkillELECTRIC competition contact SummitSkills on 01908 303972 or visit www.skillelectric.org.uk.