Danny McBean wins SkillELECTRIC gold

Danny McBean, 21 years old, has been crowned 2023 SkillELECTRIC champion after excelling in an intensive UK final competition over three days at Oldham College.

Taking second place and a silver medal was Ben Gillin from Lloyd Morris Electrical and JTL. Third place and a bronze medal went to Conor McDonnell of Nesbitt Electrical and Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland.

Danny, a SECTT apprentice with UHI Moray and employed by Grants (Dufftown), took top marks over his fellow finalists in a complicated electrical installation task comprising four circuits, SWA and FP cable, lights, sockets, conduit, trunking and a smart module.

The task had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria including wiring and connection skills, inspection and testing and measuring and marking out, which had to be accurate within +/- 2mm.

In a first for this year, competitors also completed a solar PV-related task to reflect the fact that the core competence of a qualified electrician is the foundation from which to upskill and train in solar installation.

The SkillELECTRIC final was one of 50 WorldSkills UK national finals being held last week (14-17 November) across Greater Manchester. Competitors from all events along with their supporters gathered at WorldSkills UK Medal Ceremony at the illustrious Bridgewater Hall in central Manchester, hosted by TV and radio personality, Edith Bowman.

All finalists that took part received a range of fantastic prizes including: various gifts from Electric Center, interchangeable VDE screwdrivers from CK Tools, a TPT voltage tester from Megger, a full set of workwear, accessories and safety shoes from Snickers Workwear and Solid Gear, an iPad Pro and virtual training in energy storage systems and electric vehicle charging from the NICEIC, and a Scolmore goodie bag containing various Click products from the Aquip, Mode, Deco and Definity wiring accessories ranges, Ovia downlights, a Unicrimp product bundle, an ESP Fort Smart Security Kit and Scolmore Group merchandise.

As winner, Danny also received a multi-function tester from Megger, an enhanced iPad Pro from the NICEIC and a tool set from Oldham College. Danny, Ben and Conor also received a VDE Plier Set from CK Tools and a voucher for £250, £100 and £50 respectively to spend in their local Electric Center branch.

Speaking after his win, Danny says, “I’m absolutely over the moon; I still don’t believe it, when they read out the name I was just frozen for a second! Well done to all the other competitors; all the judges were saying it was really close and one of the most competitive years. I just want to say thank you to my dad who’s my lecturer, for training me and always looking at ways to work harder and more efficiently and to my employer for giving me the time off to practice and take part.”

SkillELECTRIC is organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET), in conjunction with WorldSkills UK, with Electric Center, NICEIC and Scolmore Group as its sponsors and delivery partners.

Jennie Phung, SkillELECTRIC, Project Manager for NET, says, “The competition this year was closer than ever and the high standard of work from all competitors has been brilliant to witness. Congratulations to Danny and all eight finalists – they will go on to become amazing ambassadors and role models for our industry to inspire others to achieve.”

Next year’s SkillELECTRIC competition opens in February 2023.