New Zealand’s top apprentice electricians named

New Zealand’s top apprentice electricians named

Apprentice electricians from Hawke’s Bay and Auckland have made a bright start to their careers, winning the Master Electricians Challenge, the country’s toughest contest for apprentice electricians.

The pair were among 12 finalists, selected during knockout heats around the country, who took part in the gruelling two-day final at Hamilton’s Claudelands Events Centre.

Joseph Morris (24) who is employed by Russells Electrical in Waipukurau and trained by EIT, won the Domestic/Commercial division, as well as two of the individual category modules. Rahul Babu (22), employed and trained by etco and working for Dalton Electrical Co Ltd in Auckland, took out top spot in the Industrial division, cleaning-up in all five modules.

The pair each won a range of prizes and the title of Electrical Apprentice of the Year.

Master Electricians operations manager Bernie McLaughlin said contestants needed to be prepared for all eventualities as they faced a series of challenges designed to replicate scenarios they might face in their working life.

“Each had to face five workstations, with two hours at each to complete a range of tough tasks designed to replicate a ‘real industry’ setting and applying the latest available technology,” he said.

“Judges were really impressed at how swiftly and efficiently the contestants responded to these challenges. I’d like to congratulate all the finalists. They were tested to the limit and performed exceptionally well. They are all very enthusiastic about the many opportunities offered in the electrical contracting industry.”

Joseph said: “To be honest it hasn’t settled in yet! I don’t think it will until I get back to work and start telling everyone.

“I’m very proud of myself. The competition has given me such a good confidence boost and confirmed that I’m definitely in the right job! To anyone thinking of taking part next year, I would say go for it - there’s nothing to lose. Starting out, I was nervous of getting things wrong but in the end it was a great opportunity and I did better than I thought I would.”

Rahul said: “I am absolutely stoked to have won, but also a little relieved! There was a lot of the pressure during the process, but it really motivated me and confirmed that I have the right skills I need to progress in my career. This is definitely a great opportunity for any apprentice electricians – there are some great prizes and it’s a good way to get recognition in the industry.”

Also awarded on the night was the Skills Award, a scholarship for a 21-day outward bound course in Anakiwa. The award was won by Johnny Wilkinson (22) from Christchurch, who was chosen for attributes that were displayed while interacting with others as part of activities outside the competition.

Johnny said: “It feels awesome to have won the outward bound scholarship. I’m sure it will be mentally challenging, but a great learning experience and a chance to work on my team building skills. The whole Challenge was really great. I’m studying at the moment but I’m confident the competition will give me a leg-up when the time comes.”

The winners of individual modules were:

Domestic/Commercial -

• NHP Switchboard, wiring of two switchboards utilising steel wire armour, neutral screen and multi core cables. Winner: Joseph Morris

• Vynco Testing: full testing of an installation with two switchboards. Winner: Dion Reardon

• Marley Conduit: using multiple types of conduit for cabling underground, solar, extreme temperatures. Winner: Joseph Morris

• TransNet Cable Jointing: repair to a sheath and a complete junction of a mains cable. Winner: Jim Gibson

• HPM Legrand Home Automation: Use the My Home product family wire and programme a house for automation. Winner: Jim Gibson

Industrial (all five modules were won by Rahul Babu) -

• NHP:Rockwell PLC: programming via a laptop to operate the conveyer as per the specifications.

• NHP:Rockwell VSD: programming to run the conveyer at varying speeds.

• NHP:Rockwell HMI: programming the visual display, to show and control the function of the conveyer.

• NHP:Rockwell Haz-op: define all dangers associated with the process, ensuring they have been addressed and programmed into the safety relay.

• NHP:Rockwell Pneumatics: controlling 4 pneumatic rams to operate at various speeds and distances.

As apprentices, the contestants have all been paid while learning and have gained experience working across a wide range of electrical jobs.

ENDS

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