IDEAL Industries, the global leader in electrical tools and accessories, is continuing its commitment to nurturing new talent in the UK electrical sector by sponsoring the SPARKS Learner of the Year contest.

The move is part of a wide-ranging programme of product development and partnerships from IDEAL Industries aimed at supporting electrical students and apprentices. The company’s activities already include product donations and demos for colleges, along with safe isolation kits developed especially to support a safety-first culture for those training as electricians. Silver sponsorship of the SPARKS Learner of the Year competition reinforces IDEAL Industries’ support for the next generation of professionals and includes a commitment to provide a day’s training for the winner.

The SPARKS Learner of the Year contest is a national competition, with six regional events culminating in a grand final. Participating colleges can enter just one student each, ensuring that the initiative showcases the very best of up-and-coming talent and inspires others. Around 10 - 14 contestants will battle it out for each regional accolade, with the regional winners going forward to compete in the final.

With regional heats due to take place in January and February 2022, and the grand final scheduled to take place over two days during April, the competition involves a six-hour practical test, judged by NAPIT. As a sponsor, IDEAL Industries will provide products for use in the competition and will be there on the day to watch the electrical students use them as part of the test.

Brett Smyth, general manager of IDEAL Industries EMEA comments: “Our focus as a business is on developing products that make electrical installations faster, safer and more consistent. Working with trainee and apprentice electricians enables us to highlight the innovative new approaches we have developed and support them with contemporary installation techniques as they begin their careers. We’re proud to sponsor this award and wish all the contestants the very best of luck.”