Local student qualifies for major UK apprentice competition

Electrical apprentice, Jack Clarke from South West College (Omagh) has qualified for a prestigious SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition, after winning the recent Northern Ireland regional heat which took place at Belfast Metropolitan College. 

Having secured his place as top electrical apprentice in Northern Ireland, Jack will go forward to compete against apprentices and students from around the rest of the UK at the Grand Final to be held on 11th and 12th April at the 3M Customer Innovation Centre in Bracknell. 

The UK competition is organised every year by SPARKS Magazine for level 2 or 3 students. 

Jack, from Sixmilecross studies City and Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment at SWC Omagh Campus, where he is taught by Barry Connolly and Mark Dalton. Jack is currently employed by G R White and Son Electrical in Tempo, who have also been hugely supportive of Jack and previous SWC students. 

Speaking about Jack’s success, Barry Connolly said; 

“We are absolutely thrilled with Jack’s success at the NI regional heats. The competition was intense but Jack has done himself, South West College and his employer G R White and Son Electrical very proud. He will undoubtedly continue to train hard for the upcoming grand final in April and we wish him every success.” 

Apart from the prestige of being crowned the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year, the winner is set to walk away with prizes worth over £8000 from the competition’s sponsors and contributing manufacturers who are all major industry names, including Platinum sponsor Schneider Electric. 

“Students get a lot out of the competition,” said Natacha Fielding, Managing Director. “They make new friends, gain confidence in their abilities and enjoy the challenge of the competition.” 

For further details, please see www.sparks-magazine.co.uk or call South West College, telephone 0845 603 1881.