SOUTH Cheshire College student Nathan Hallwood has qualified for a major UK Apprentice competition.

Nathan, 24, is in his third year of an apprenticeship, working at J Seddon electrical contractors, while studying electrical installations at college.

Nathan, from Northwich, has been nominated for the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition by college lecturer Nick Doyle.

Nick said: “Nathan has a mature outlook and attitude towards his work, and is always willing to contribute in class and help others when necessary.

“He is a very knowledgeable student, and his attention to detail in his practical work is of the highest standard.”

Nathan will be taking part in the competition in Burnley, which is one of seven regional heats set to be held across the UK during January, February and March 2017.

He will be up against other apprentices and students from the UK, and will be competing for a place in the final in March at the 3M Customer Innovation Centre in Bracknell.

Nathan said: “I am very proud that I have been entered into the competition for the second time.

“I know it’s going to be a tough competition, but I would love to win as a thank you to both the college and my place of work”.

The UK competition is organised every year by SPARKS Magazine for level 2 and 3 students.

The winner not only gets the prestige of being crowned the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year, but will walk away with prizes worth over £8,000.

Natacha Fielding, event manager, said: “Students get a lot out of the competition.

“They make new friends, gain confidence in their abilities and enjoy the challenge of the competition.”

Launched in 2010, the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competitions gives students the chance to be recognised for their hard work and skills.

It provides an opportunity for lecturers, employers, industry leaders and manufacturers to support the next generation of electricians.

Prizes are provided by major industry names, including new Platinum sponsor Schneider Electric, Gold sponsor BASEC, Silver sponsor Megger and Bronze sponsors Wera Tools and 3M.