BRIDGWATER & Taunton College (BTC) apprentice Tom Adlam has won the South West regional heat of the prestigious SPARKS Learner of the Year 2022 competition.

The competition was held at BTC’s Taunton campus and included Level 2 and Level 3 Electrical students from across Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.

The students had to complete a challenging live practical. Tom had to install three different types of electrical containment, including lighting, radial, and ring final circuits.

Tom, 20, from Bridgwater, said: “The hard work has paid off, I’m really chuffed to have won the regional heat.

“This is the second time I’ve taken part in the SPARKS competition, and it’s a really good experience. Now the hard work really starts – preparing for the national final.”

Tom is completing his apprenticeship with Mike Morgan Electrical Services (MMES), based in Bridgwater.

Managing director Mike Morgan said: “Tom has taken up the mantle and forged ahead with his Electrical Apprenticeship. “Learning the practical basics at College and his site-based installation works have enabled him to hone his skills and develop a good eye for detail and dimension.

“A first time, first-class installation is the client’s requirement and the electrician’s opportunity, and, with his hard work and diligence, Tom has been proving this in his site work. All at MMES are very proud of Tom and look forward to supporting him into the national final.”

BTC Construction and Civil Engineering Course Leader Gary Lawrence said: “First and foremost, congratulations to Tom for putting himself forward for the 2022 SPARKS competition.

“This is the second time that Tom’s entered, and the preparation and experience from last time clearly helped him to step up to the mark and perform at a higher level.

“He’s worked very hard, giving up his evenings to practice and prepare. The competition was of an extremely high standard, and we’re super proud of the way Tom handled the pressure to produce such excellent work in just a few hours.”

Two BTC students – Ben Kidner and Alex Rendell – won the national competition in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

They are currently in training for the World Skills Competition due to take place in Shanghai later this year, where they will represent the UK on an international stage.

Tom will now progress to the SPARKS Learner of the Year national final, due to take place in Coventry this April.

On February 7 and 13, Bridgwater & Taunton College will be celebrating all of its apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2022.

For more information, visit www.btc.ac.uk and social media feed for NAW updates.