A student from Hayle has proven to be the brightest spark in the region, by winning the South West regional final of the Sparks UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition.

Kieran Roberts, who is studying the level three electrical installation diploma at Cornwall College, beat stiff opposition from 12 other competing colleges, to become this year’s regional champion.

After a six hour long practical test, Kieran was tasked with a wide variety of hands-on skills including; cable wiring, plastic conduit bending, terminations and much more, ultimately triumphing to win a place in the UK final.

Kieran said: “Being an apprentice and having the benefit of working on real projects at work, combined with the academic knowledge received at college, gave me a firm understanding of what was required during the competition. Everyone’s quality of work was exceptional and it was a complete shock when they announced I’d won, it was very exciting and I knew my dad would be very proud of my achievement.”

The UK final in Bracknell next month will consist of a two-day event designed to test the apprentice’s knowledge and practical abilities as they enter the competition not knowing what will be expected of them.

Kieran, who currently works with his dad, has been attending Cornwall College for several years building up his skill base, which will hopefully stand him in good stead as he enters the final.

Eddy Dawson, electrical tutor at Cornwall College Camborne said that from the onset “Kieran has shown extremely good practical skills.”

He added: “The competitors at the regional event were of a very high standard and the judges took a long time to decide the winner. When Kieran’s name was called out I could see the look of relief and joy on his face. This annual award is a great competition for apprentices to get involved in as his demonstrates what they can do and is a great addition for the CV’s, we wish Kieran all the best during the final next month.”

Kieran added: “There are only eight people competing from all over the UK in the finals so it’ll be pretty nerve racking, but I’m looking forward to it and feeling quietly confident. Being an electrical apprentice is a great way to start a career in the trades, you’re always learning new things, each day is different and you get paid, I would recommend it to anyone.”