The NAPIT Skills competition was held at Bury College with student winners of 2008's competition taking part in a practical two day contest with students from other colleges to test their wiring and testing skills.
Results were verified on the final day of the two day competition by assessors from NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Tester), a government approved register holder for contractors within the electrical, ventilation, plumbing and heating industries.

Tutors, bosses and family joined the six winning students at NAPIT's head office in Mansfield to receive their prizes. Bury College students claimed first place in both levels for the second year running.

Third year student Dean Meikle, first place for level 3, works for Oldham's Bladen Electrical and is studying City & Guilds 2330 Level 3, as part of an NVQ Level 3.

Meikle was presented with a NAPIT Gold Medal, a £75 cheque and a Summitskills Certificate. He now goes on to take part in the 2009 UK SkillElectric Competition run by Summitskills.

Paul Heys, first place winner for level 2, works for Bolton's Oakwood Maintenance and is studying City & Guilds 2330 Level 2 as part of an NVQ Level 2.

He was presented with the NAPIT Trophy, gold medal and a £75 cheque. Heys said: 'I am really chuffed at winning the Level 2 Gold Medal and the NAPIT trophy. My ambition is to become qualified and run my own business.'

All winners received a NAPIT gold, silver or bronze medal, along with a complimentary NAPIT Student Membership as a prize.

Other winners included:

Oliver Wilson of Macclesfield College - second place for level 2

Martin O'Dell of Bury College - third place for level 2

Sam Hewitt of Macclesfield College - second place for level 3

Bilal Saleheen of Burnley College - third place for level 3.

NAPIT chief executive John Andrews said: 'Once again we've been very impressed by the young people taking part. Competitions like these are absolutely vital - giving the college and the students something to aspire to. 'It's absolutely critical that we support the next generation of electrical engineers - even in times of recession its something that we should not be ignoring. One of the first things that tends to suffer is training, so anything we can do to underpin this is important'.

He added: 'The world is becoming more electrical and opportunities are growing for young people entering our industry. While we already have heating systems with solar thermal and heat pumps, the area which will get the biggest financial support from the government and make the biggest impact will be electrical microgeneration in homes and businesses'.

For details on participating in 2010's NAPIT Skills Competition call 0870 444 1392, email info@napit.org.uk or visit www.napit.org.uk