JTL Preston to host top electrical talent at national SkillELECTRIC competition

JTL Preston, located on Frenchwood Avenue, is set to host a regional qualifying heat of the prestigious SkillELECTRIC competition, bringing together apprentices, employers and industry representatives for a day of skills, networking and sector insight.

Taking place on Thursday May 14 from 10am-3pm, the event will see some of the UK’s most talented electrical apprentices compete in a live skills challenge as part of the SkillELECTRIC competition, which celebrates excellence across the electrotechnical sector and helps identify the next generation of industry-leading professionals.

Alongside the competition, guests will have the opportunity to tour JTL’s Preston training centre, meet apprentices and employers, enjoy refreshments, and connect with industry representatives, including Edmundson, JIB and Milwaukee. The event is open to all employers, partners and those interested in supporting skills development across the region, with refreshments provided throughout the day.

JTL will also host a dedicated employer discussion session, led by Gillian Day, Director of Finance and Corporate Services at JTL. This session will provide a platform for employers to share their perspectives on key priorities, challenges and opportunities facing the sector at both a local and national level, helping to inform JTL’s ongoing work with industry.

The event aims to strengthen engagement between training providers and employers, while showcasing the high-quality training and opportunities available through apprenticeships in the building services engineering sector.

Established over 30 years ago by the Electrical Contractors’ Association and Unite the Union, JTL is a not-for-profit Independent Training Provider delivering Level 3 electrical and plumbing apprenticeships across England and Wales. Working with thousands of employers and training thousands of learners at any one time, JTL trains more apprentices in the building services engineering sector than any other provider.

Gary Downes, Delivery Team Manager for JTL Preston, said: “We’re really pleased to be opening our Preston centre to employers and partners from across the local area for this event. It’s a great chance to see our facilities in action, meet our apprentices, and connect with others working across the sector here in Lancashire.”

Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of JTL, said: “We are delighted to be hosting a SkillELECTRIC qualifying heat at our Preston training centre and to welcome employers and industry partners from across the region.

“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talent of electrical apprentices, and the network of support behind them as they progress in their careers. Attendees at this event will see true collaboration between training providers and industry which is essential if we are to address skills shortages and support the next generation of electricians.”

Those interested in attending can find out more and register here