Sparking Success For College Apprentices

An inter-campus competition between Northern Regional College's (NRC) top electrical installation apprentices has been won by a young bright spark from Co Antrim.

Adrian Hughes from Ballyclare was named Electrical Apprentice of the Year, following the practical competition which involved apprentices having to install, wire, connect, inspect and test three different circuits.

NRC works closely with the Electrical Training Trust to provide electrical apprentices with the essential training they require within the profession.


Through this competition the College aims to recognise those apprentices who have made a determined and sustained effort to produce good quality work to the best of their ability.

"The competition for Apprentice of the Year was re-introduced to NRC this year as it encourages best practice and gives Apprentices the opportunity to display the skills they have obtained during the first two years of the Electrical Apprenticeship," explained Gerry McLean, NRC Senior Lecturer in Electrical Installation.

All second year apprentices were considered for the competition and short listed to eight candidates by the electrical lecturers, based on the apprentices' examination results and the marks obtained from their practical workshop activities during their first year of training.

Adrian who is completing his apprenticeship with Alexander Bonar and Co, Ballymena received his first place certificate and Electrical Installation Apprentice of the Year shield, at a ceremony at NRC's Ballymena Campus.

(BMcC/GK)