2nd June 2017
An apprentice who studied at Barking & Dagenham College has made it through to the Grand Final of this year?s NICEIC and ELECSA Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition.
Billy Stapleton, 20, from Harold Hill, first had to complete both an online and then a written exam against 400 other hopefuls before finding out that he had made it to the finals. He is the only finalist from London and will now have to battle it out with seven other finalists during a series of practical tests at the headquarters of competition sponsor Scolmore.
Billy, who is an apprentice with Bankcroft Ltd, and during his studies, spent one day a week at the College, was nervous at first about taking part in the competition but as he explains:
“My employer suggested I enter the competition and although it was a bit nerve wracking to do it, I felt if there was nothing ventured, there was nothing to be gained, so I just went for it.”
When he got the call to say he was a finalist he was very pleased. He continues:
“A lady phoned on a Friday afternoon and to begin with I didn’t know where she was phoning from. Then I realised and when she said I was a finalist I was really happy. It was a good weekend after that!”
Having always been keen to learn a trade, becoming an electrician has not disappointed Billy. As he explains:
“I’ve always felt it was important to learn a trade. Becoming an electrician will mean I have those skills for life. Whatever I do I will know that I have that knowledge and ability.”
He says of his work:
“I’m really enjoying my job and the industry. You never stop learning in the electrical industry and I like that.”
Each finalist will now receive an iPad with a host of other prizes up for grabs including a £2000 holiday voucher for the winner, which can be spent on a trip of their choice. There is a £750 holiday voucher for the runner-up and £250 for third place.
