The future of the electrical industry is bright, thanks to the dedication and skills of young apprentices like Matthew Cripps from Electrix. We are incredibly proud to share Matthew’s journey and achievements in the highly competitive Sparkes of the Year competition, a testament to his hard work, talent, and the support he has received from his team.

Sparkes of the Year: An Overview

The annual Sparkes of the Year competition is a prestigious event designed to identify and celebrate the best young apprentices in the electrical industry across the UK. Participants are challenged to complete a full installation of equipment, including first and second fix of various cables and containment, followed by inspection and testing. With only minutes to prepare before the competition begins, apprentices must meticulously follow a provided specification and scale drawing.

South-West Regional Champion: Matthew Cripps

In January, Matthew Cripps participated in the regional heats of the Sparkes of the Year competition, representing the Exeter centre. Demonstrating exceptional skills and accuracy, Matthew lost only one point during his installation assessment and was crowned the South-West Regional Champion. This victory earned him a spot in the UK finals, where he would compete against the top seven apprentices in the country.

UK Apprentice of the Year 2023: Final Stage

Held at the Schneider headquarters and innovation centre in Coventry, the UK finals proved to be an intense challenge. Over two days (10 hours), Matthew and the other finalists were tasked with an installation that was twice as complex as the regional stage. Under immense pressure, they all completed their installations and testing within the required timeframe. The judges took over three hours to decide the winner, evaluating the competitors’ work based on the smallest details and discrepancies.

A Remarkable Achievement: 3rd Best Apprentice in the UK

Matthew Cripps has made Electrix and the entire Exeter community proud by securing third place in the UK Apprentice of the Year 2023 competition. With only a few marks separating the top three, Matthew can now claim the title of the “3rd Best Apprentice” in the UK. This outstanding accomplishment will undoubtedly enhance his professional resume and serve as a reminder of his dedication and skill.

A Heartfelt Thanks

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who supported Matthew on this journey, and a special congratulations to Matthew himself for his exceptional performance. His hard work and determination have set an inspiring example for other aspiring electricians and apprentices in our community.

Well done, Matt! Your future in the electrical industry is as bright as the sparks you create.