21-year-old Stuart Graham was recently crowned the best young electrician at the SkillELECTRIC event held at the NEC in Birmingham during the Skills Show.
Stuart Graham has been named the UK’s best young electrician after winning the SkillELECTRIC grand final at the NEC in Birmingham.
Stuart, who runs his own business, Graham Electrical, won the competition after scoring top marks in a two-day electrical installation task, which had to be completed in line with industry standards against a strict timeframe.
He qualified for his place in the final after winning his regional heat in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, which saw him compete in a five-hour practical challenge against 12 other apprentices from the area.
“The final was very tough but it was a great experience,” said the 21-year-old. “I’d recommend taking part in this competition to anyone who might be thinking about it for next year – it’s a great way of testing your skills.”
UK Final – The Skills Show November 2016
1st: Stuart Graham, South West College NI
2nd: Patrick Carr, New College Lanarkshire
3rd: Steven Harper, Dumfries & Galloway College
Jon Dicken, Organiser of the 2016 SkillELECTRIC competitions alongside WorldSkills UK congratulated Stuart, adding: “These competitions provide a platform to highlight the skill required to become an electrician and the opportunities a career in this industry can offer.”
WorldSkills UK competitions are proven to enhance a person’s apprenticeship or training programme by enabling them to develop key character and employability skills.
Speaking on behalf of WorldSkills UK Competitions, Dr Neil Bentley, said: “I offer my congratulations to Stuart. WorldSkills UK Competitions are proven to enhance a person’s apprenticeship or training programme by enabling them to develop key character and employability skills. By using knowledge gained from competing nationally and internationally, we know we are working to benchmarks that will equip more young people with the right skills to help UK businesses better compete globally.”
