Apprentice David Mitchell, 19, is setting his sights on a finals place as he prepares for the heats of the Electrical Installation Worldskills event in Burnley.
David will take on some of the most talented young electricians in the region in April, but he said he is focused on the task at hand and is confident his knowledge will see him through the heats.
“We are given the drawings for the installation beforehand and as things are also very much practical and hands-on at work, I am always able to prepare – I know what to expect! It becomes second nature when you are doing things in real life. That experience really helps” he added.
Lecturer Frank Carty explained that once the apprentices arrived at the competition venue – at Burnley College in Lancashire– they were isolated for 24 hours, with no assistance or coaching allowed from staff or family.
“It is very serious – once we arrive at the venue, we are pushed out of the room and cannot have any contact with the apprentices, they are on their own and have to make all of their own decisions about their installation” he said.
David was selected for the event following his outstanding performances in practical abilities tests. “I am excited to take part in an event like this, I’m quite happy I know my stuff and have prepared properly” said David, who works at his father’s electrical installation company, Mitchell Electrical.
