SPARKS, a UK magazine for student and apprentice electricians, has announced that applications are now open for the seventeenth annual SPARKS Learner of the Year competition, a national event that celebrates emerging talent in the electrical industry.
For the first time ever, the competition expands to include a Scottish Regional Heat, bringing the total to seven regional events across England, Scotland, and Wales.
This development reflects the growing enthusiasm from colleges and learners in Scotland and hopes to ensure even more aspiring electricians have the opportunity to shine.
Competition details
Open to Level 2 and 3 electrical students and apprentices, the competition challenges participants with a series of hands-on tasks, judged by a panel of industry experts and led by judging partner NAPIT.
Regional winners will advance to the Grand Final in May 2026, where they’ll compete for national recognition and prizes donated by leading sponsors, which include: headline sponsor Luceco Group, alongside Electric Center, Milwaukee, Schneider Electric, AICO, Dimplex, EAL (Enginuity), Ideal Industries, Kewtech, Snickers Workwear, and NAPIT.
The ‘Meet the Manufacturer’ series will run alongside the SPARKS Learner of the Year, offering manufacturers an opportunity to network with and update lecturers on the latest industry and product innovations.
Last year’s winner Frankie McCall, from South Hampshire College Group and JTL Training, shares his experience: “They were all a bunch of good lads. Everyone was really close to each other, so when they called the runner-up, I thought, ‘That’s me out of the competition.’
“But then they called my name as the winner and I thought, ‘Yeah, I’ve done well.’ Just thank you to the sponsors: [There were] some good prizes and all the equipment we were using on the install was of a good standard.”
Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at SPARKS Magazine, adds, “The standard set in 2025 was exceptional, and it’s raised expectations for what’s to come.
“SPARKS Learner of the Year continues to be a powerful platform for young electricians to showcase their talent, and I’m excited to see how this year’s competitors rise to the challenge”.
Applications are now open. For more information on how to enter, visit the website.
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