An award-winning “sparkie” is urging schools leavers in Dumbarton and the Vale to consider an apprenticeship if they are looking for a dynamic and successful career.

Zach Swift, 21, from Helensburgh, who last year was named the electrical industry’s apprentice of the year, says its important for young people to understand there are plenty of routes to take after leaving school or college.

He added: “I strongly believe that an apprenticeship is a fantastic option.”

Zach is helping the NICEIC - the leading regulatory body for registered electricians - promote National Apprenticeships Week which runs until Friday.

The apprentice of the year competition is one way the body supports apprentices going into the electrical industry and is designed to celebrate the skills of the brightest electrical apprentices throughout the UK.

The competition, run in partnership with The Scolmore Group, is part of the company’s drive to recognise the brightest young talents in the trade, which it says is vital to safeguarding the future of the industry.

This year saw more than a thousand apprentices across the UK apply, with 650 applicants successfully completing the first stage.

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Zach said: “The apprenticeship competition was a great boost for my confidence and I am now able to take on more challenging jobs on my own.

And in his message to youngsters in Dumbarton and the Vale, he said: “If you’re considering an apprenticeship in the electrical industry, then I would definitely recommend going for it because you’ll learn so many skills and your days will always feel varied.”

In addition to the competition, NICEIC’s student membership scheme provides support to complement the training and personal development of students undertaking relevant technical competency training.

Furthermore, the organisation’s ‘Jobs for the Girls’ campaign actively encourages more women to seek a career as an electrician.

Darren Staniforth, technical development manager at NICEIC, said: “As perceptions of the trade industry are shifting, we’ve seen an uptake in interest amongst pupils and students for a hands-on career.

“Gone are the days where young people are expected to study at university to ensure a successful career.

“Instead, taking on an apprenticeship is now being seen as a far more enticing prospect, with some going on to earn more than had they done a degree. See niceic.com.