Winner
David Payne

Twenty-year old David Payne, who has just completed his apprenticeship, is now a graded JIB electrician having achieved AM2, NVQ Level 3 qualifications. He is employed by Melcon Hereford and during his apprenticeship was involved in all aspects of the electrical domestic, commercial and industrial installation work undertaken by the company. He is now working in conjunction with one of the senior members of the staff on a bems monitoring systems contract with a local authority.

Bernard Nash, of Melcon says he is confident David has a very bright and interesting future ahead of him. David's tutor at the Hereford College of Technology, Peter Plumridge, echoes this assessment. He describes David as having been an exceptionally good student.

Runners up

Daniel Morgan
An apprentice in his father's business, R M Electrical, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, for the past three years, 19-year old Daniel Morgan completed his City & Guilds 236 parts 1&2 within two years, a year earlier than usual. He then went on to achieve his City & Guilds 239 certificate in installation inspection, testing and certification and to pursue the City & Guilds 2400 design and verification course. For the past three years Daniel has been a student at Coleg Sir Gar (Carmarthenshire College), where he was nominated as Student of the Year for 2001/2002.

Ron Morgan has no doubt what his son has achieved in a comparatively short time has contributed to him becoming a finalist and this achievement has greatly contributed to the firm's image and reputation. Daniel's tutor, Hugh Griffith, says his achievement has been an excellent boost for the electrical installation section at the college and both staff and senior management are very proud of him.

Gareth Stevenson
Gareth Stevenson, a second year NVQ level 3 electrical installation apprentice employed by Adair Electrics, of Banbridge, Co Down, is a student at the Upper Bann Institute, Portadown. His tutor, Dermot Lavery, is delighted at Gareth becoming a finalist, not least because he was only in the second year of his training compared with most other competitors. He attributes Gareth's success to hard work, dedication, and the satisfaction he gets from learning how to perform tasks in a professional manner. Gareth says it has been a great confidence builder and is pleased that his talent and ability are being recognised amongst his peers.

His employers are also proud of Gareth, confident that his achievement will lift the profile of Adair Electrics. The company undertakes all types of industrial, commercial and domestic electrical work, including the installation, maintenance, and testing and inspection of fire alarm, intruder, cctv, and computer installations. 鈥淲e will encourage Gareth to study for higher qualifications and will give him the opportunity to gain first hand experience in all aspects of electrical work,鈥 says Melvyn Adair, adding, 鈥淚f Gareth progresses at the same level so far we see no reason why he should not secure a more senior position.鈥