The College of West Anglia recently welcomed electrical students and apprentices from across the region as the King’s Lynn campus hosted a regional heat of SkillELECTRIC, part of the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition programme.

The event brought together learners from colleges and training providers across the country to complete a series of industry-standard electrical installation tasks designed to test technical ability, accuracy, time management and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Participants attended from the College of West Anglia, Boston College, City College Norwich, Hopwood Hall College, JTL Training, Essex Services Group, Munro Building Services and Hertfordshire Regional College.

SkillELECTRIC, delivered through WorldSkills UK, is designed to raise standards in technical education while helping learners develop the practical and professional skills needed within the modern electrical industry.

Alongside the competition, students also had the opportunity to engage with employers and industry professionals, gaining valuable insight into career pathways, apprenticeships and emerging technologies within the sector.

Neil McMannus from NET, organisers of the Future Faradays initiative, said’: “We are a charitable organisation who deliver and are passionate about supporting full time learners into work placements and apprenticeships. It was great to work with the students today and share industry insight.”

Sam Donaghy, one of the SkillELECTRIC judges, added,: “It was a fantastic opportunity to watch these learners demonstrate the exceptional skills and knowledge they have already developed, showing what a bright future the industry has.”

Hosting the competition reflects the College’s continued commitment to supporting high-quality technical education and creating opportunities for students to gain valuable industry experience alongside their studies.