Angharad Greaves, a student at Leicester College, has won the Midlands heat of the SPARKS Female Skills Competition.
Leicester College hosted the regional heats of both the SPARKS and HIP Female Skills Competition 2024, nationwide contests that look for the best up-and-coming talent amongst women studying Level 2 and 3 electrical installation, plumbing and heating courses.
Students from colleges across the Midlands came to Leicester College’s Freemen’s Park Campus on Tuesday 5 March 2024 to compete in either HIP, for plumbing and heating students, or SPARKS, for electrical installation students, in a live practical installation.
After a close race, Angharad Greaves from Leicester College was named the winner of the SPARKS competition, with Kaci Riley from Loughborough College coming in as the runner-up. Sophie Maguire from City College Norwich and Daisy Turner from Barking and Dagenham College were named the HIP competition winner and runner-up, respectively. The winners received a gift voucher from e-on for merchandise. They will now go on to compete in the grand final at Stephenson College in Coalville on 18 April 2024 to determine the ultimate HIP and SPARKS champions.
Angharad Greaves, studying on the Level 3 Electrical Installation course at Leicester College, says, “I was very surprised but thrilled to win. The quality of the competitors’ work was so high, so it was a bit surreal hearing my name being called.
“I’ve always had an interest in electrics but didn’t think I’d be where I am today. Courses like this one at Leicester College didn’t feel as accessible when I was 18, so I never thought it was an option. But I’m proud of myself for enrolling on the course and pursuing my dreams.
“I’m so grateful to Leicester College’s electrical team for putting me forward for the competition and for their support in getting me through it. I’m sure no matter the result at the final, it’ll be another brilliant day, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Verity Hancock, Principal at Leicester College, says, “We were so pleased to host the Midlands heat of the national HIP and SPARKS Female Skills Competitions this year. Our own electrical, plumbing and heating courses are very popular with all students with an increasing number of women studying.
“It’s been encouraging to see so many talented students competing and we’re delighted that our student, Angharad, came out on top. Competitions like these not only boost confidence but give women more opportunities to get industry experience to help them succeed in their careers.”
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