SkillELECTRIC 2008 UK Final
An energetic atmosphere surged through the electrical skills UK final last October, where a flow of top national talent was showcased at an unprecedented event at Interbuild, in the first live competition of its kind to be held at the show.
SkillELECTRIC, sponsored and supported by the Electrical Safety Council and organised by SummitSkills, took place at Birmingham’s NEC during one of the biggest weeks in the industry’s calendar.
The top ten UK finalists from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales who scored the highest from their regional events took part in two and a half days of practical skills tests based on real-life work situations, competing in purpose-built bays in front of thousands of spectators.
The competition culminated in a glittering evening awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum, where a packed audience saw the closely bonded group of individuals proudly accept their accolades to rousing applause. Every competitor received an individual gold medal and certificate presented by MP Claire Curtis - Thomas and Diane Johnson, who represented primary sponsors ECA and SELECT.
Richard Sagar was greeted by cheers and a standing ovation as he stepped into the spotlight to receive the winner’s crystal trophy. Richard is employed by Eden Electricals Ltd, and supported by training provider SECTT.
The two runners up were Jack Sillito employed by W T Parker Ltd with training provided by Burton Training Organisation Ltd, and Neil Frew, employed by Braid Electrical and trained by Northern Regional College.
The winners of this year’s UK finals may have the chance to compete at the biennial international WorldSkills competition, the largest skills competition in the world attracting competitors from more than 50 countries, with the next event taking place in Calgary later this year, followed by WorldSkills 2011 in London.
Preparations are already underway for the 2009 competitions. Further details of the 2008 event can be found at www.skillMandE.org.uk .
