Barry College trainee electrician sparks off a win in prestigious national engineering competition

[Chris Baker]

A former Barry College student has beaten off rivals from across the UK and won a finalist place in a prestigious electrical installation competition.

Robert Critchley, a 23-year-old from Cardiff, scooped the finalist place in the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s Edmundson electrical annual Apprentice of the Year Awards. The awards celebrate the skills and hard work of the very best trainee electrical operatives in the country.

Robert performed outstandingly in the theory test and practical installation competition, receiving a cheque for £500 and an electrical contractors’ test toolkit. He came to Barry College four years ago as an apprentice and has now completed his City & Guilds and work-based training.

“Robert had to score 95% or higher in the trade tests and his achievement is just astounding,” Barry College Engineering Lecturer Darren Lawler said. “He’s done excellently and it is fair to say that Robert is now at the top of his game. Credit is also due to Course Tutor Geoff Shaw who has been instrumental in making the Electrical courses the success that they are.”

Robert now works for commercial and residential building services provider G Oakley & Sons, and most recently managed a restaurant refurbishment project in southern England.

Notes for editors

· Pic shows: (l-r) Barry College Engineering Lecturer Darren Lawler, Robert Critchley, Course Tutor Geoff Shaw

· For more information about this press release contact Chris Baker on 01446 725015 or [e-mail]

· To find out more about Barry College visit barry.ac.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @barrycollege

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