Apprentice Danny’s journey to SkillELECTRIC showdown

We catch up with Danny Bean to find out more about his career so far as he prepares to fly the flag for Scotland in the SkillELECTRIC competition

Hi Danny, what made you think of becoming an electrician?

I really enjoyed technical and science subjects at school, with physics being one of my stronger subjects. My dad is also an electrician and his experiences and tales from work inspired me to want to know more.

How do you like being an apprentice and what does a typical day include?

I work for SELECT Member firm Grants of Dufftown in Morayshire, where every day is different. I could be installing various types and sizes of containment, working with panel boards, running and fitting armoured cables, testing – all sorts really. The variety is great!

How did you make it to the SkillELECTRIC final?

I’d done quite well in various other competitions, including winning Scottish Apprentice of the Year in 2022. SkillELECTRIC seemed like a natural progression and my dad, training officer and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) encouraged me to compete.

How have you found the competition environment?

I’ve really enjoyed taking part so far. It’s been stressful at times but I’ve liked the various tasks and working under pressure.

You attend Moray College UHI in Elgin – has training been what you expected? What do you enjoy most?

I knew what to expect at college as my dad is the course lead! From my school interests, I also knew that the classroom aspect of the apprenticeship was something I’d take to; I enjoy the practical side and learning new skills.

How helpful have SECTT and your training officers been during your journey?

My training officer is Craig Wallace, who’s been very helpful, explaining the OneFile site evidence e-portfolios and the various requirements of the apprenticeship. SECTT have also provided great resources and training, as well as running competitions which have prepared me well for SkillELECTRIC.

And finally…what does the future hold?

I’m looking forward to the final and pushing myself to achieve whatever’s possible. I also want to develop within Grants to learn more about the trade, the industry and what it has to offer, as it’s becoming more and more diverse.

Thank you Danny and best of luck.

Cheers. I’ll do my best!

FIND OUT MORE

Organised by National Electrotechnical Training (NET), SkillELECTRIC is an annual competition which aims to find the best student electrician in the UK, with the winner having the chance to compete in EuroSkills and WorldSkills. Find out more at www.skillelectric.org.uk