SPARKS were flying as the next generation of tradesmen battled it out for honours in a prestigious national competition.

Darlington College hosted the regional heat of SPARKS Learner of the Year, a national competition designed to challenge the country’s young talent.

The contest is run in conjunction with a plumbing skills competition called HIP Learner of the Year. Both are operated by SNG, the publishing house for students and apprentices. The Darlington heat attracted competitors from across the North East and Yorkshire.

In a five hour challenge, electricians tackled a variety of jobs ranging from lighting circuits, AICO alarms and fuse boxes.

Plumbing competitors had six hours to complete their tasks before being judged by industry experts. They had to work with copper and plastic piping and fittings, as well as top of the range brands.

They were assessed on the quality of their workmanship and also the degree of waste produced completing the tasks.

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Darlington College fielded three competitors, Nathan Cooper from SEM Electrical, Martin Arkley-Simpson, from Teesdale Renewables and Haris Ramadani, of KH Heating and Plumbing, Richmond. Nathan was ranked runner up.

Curriculum manager for construction Luke Gate said: “It is very prestigious for the college to host the regional heat once again. It is great to see so many young people putting themselves forward to represent their department, college and employer. Taking part is something you remember long into adulthood and it is great to put this on their CVs.”

Heat winners will compete again in a grand finale in Coventry, for electricians, and Birmingham, for plumbers, in April.

Managing director at SPARKS Magazine Zoë Tanner said: “It’s fantastic to see the competition grow year on year and enormously encouraging to see the competition supported by so many big names. The competition is a great way for young installers to build their confidence and take pride in their work, securing the future of our industry.”

Every competitor receives a certificate for taking part. The prizes have been donated by competition sponsors, including Wolseley Plumb & Parts, Milwaukee, Aalberts IPS, Kingspan, Stelrad, Triton, WaterSafe, Wilo, Talon, The Worshipful Company of Plumbers and CIPHE.