And the winner is...!

Congratulations go to Matthew Hague from Amersham and Wycombe College - winner of the SPARKS National Apprentice of the Year 2012 competition!

Matthew was over the moon when he received his prize - £1,000 worth of Electricfix vouchers. He also picked up a cut-glass trophy, a Certificate of Achievement, tools and workwear. Amersham and Wycombe College also benefitted by receiving £500 worth of Electricfix vouchers.

Celia Matthews, competition organiser said: “It was a terrific contest, all the finalists did extremely well, but I take my hat off to Matthew. He was in last year’s final and this year he put in lots of time practicing and it’s obviously paid off – Well done!”

The photo shows, left to right, Sandra Everett (Senior Marketing Manager of Trade+ at Screwfix), Tony Cable, Matthew Hague and TV personality Craig Phillips.

The finalists...

Here are the six finalists who took part in the SPARKS National Apprentice of the Year 2012 competition which was held at SPARKS EXPO, Newbury Racecourse on 18th & 19th April.

Celia Matthews, organiser of the competition said: "Everyone who entered deserves a big pat on the back, I hope you all enjoyed the experience."

Top row left to right: Josh Sharp, South West regional winner from Bridgwater College; South East regional winner Matthew Hague from Amersham & Wycombe College; and Midlands regional winner from Leicester College, Sam Henshaw.

Bottom row: North West regional winner from Harrogate College Jacob Graham; Wales regional winner Mitchell Farleigh from Cardiff & Vale College, Vale Campus; and North East regional winner from Hartlepool College, Zak Wormald.

There are lots more photos on Flickr. HIP! Magazine would like to thank all the colleges that held a heat, we couldn't have done it without you!

The competition structure

Each college is allowed to put forward two students, they can be working in the industry or college based. All competitors attended one of six regional heats, where an overall regional winner was announced. Each student that enters the competition will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement for entering the competition regardless of whether he or she wins. All regional winners will be given an all expenses paid trip to the Live Final of the SPARKS Apprentice of the Year Competition.

Prizes

All six finalists will receive a special cut-glass trophy, a range of other tools and gifts donated by various manufacturers and brand new top quality clothing. The overall winner of the competition will be awarded the title of ‘SPARKS National Apprentice of the Year 2012’ and be presented with his or her award by Tony Cable of NICEIC. In addition, the winner will also receive £1,000 worth of Electricfix vouchers, and the winner’s college will be awarded £500 worth of Electricfix vouchers.

Each competitor will take away with them OVER £80 WORTH OF ELECTRICIAN’S TOOLS, which will be donated by Electricfix, Wera Tools and Stabila. BASEC is donating the cable which will be used throughout the competition.