Electric finish to annual BMEEA Apprentices Competition

Seawork’s Training and Careers Day saw the winners of the BMEEA Marine Electrical Apprentices Competition announced after a hard-fought real-time technical battle of skills.

18 teams from seven companies; Sunseeker, Platinum Marine Services, RNLI, Atlas Elektronik, Berthon, Cobra RIBS, and Oyster took part in the annual competition, held for the second year running at Seawork. The task, set on the day, included design, calculation, standards, wiring up, and the all-important ‘Does it work?’ A very high standard was achieved with little to separate the top 3 teams.

The winners were Connor and Chris from Sunseeker, who received the sparkling glass winners’ trophy and two fully loaded technical rucksacks courtesy of CK. In second place, and receiving two Weidmuller Crimp Sets, were Charlie and James from Platinum Marine Services. Third place went to Sidney and Oakley from Sunseeker who each received a CK technical rucksack.

Thanks go to Paul Holland and Daniel Cox from Energy Solutions who built the rigs and managed the competition on the day, Richard Broden-Cowell from Bournemouth & Poole College who organised and transported the teams, Ian Lewis from Weidmuller UK for his judging skills,and Derek Gilbert, Chair of BMEEA, who presented the apprentices with their prizes. Special thanks for hosting the competition goes to Seawork, celebrating its 25th edition this year.

Winners Connor and Chris go forward as finalists to the newly announced British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award which will take place later this year at the Southampton Boat Show. The competition is open to all apprentices who are currently active on any apprenticeship standard offered by their organisation – from Business Administrator to Marine Engineer, first-year newcomers right up to those in their final assessment stages.

The British Marine Electrical & Electronics Association, BMEEA, comprises manufacturers and waterside dealers who provide advice, sales, installation and service of marine electronic and electrical equipment.

Image courtesy of Seawork/Ocean Images