Alex Toon, 23, from Leicester College won the Midlands regional heat of the SPARKS UK Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition on Tuesday 14 February at Stephenson College.

Apprentices from 10 colleges took part in the fifth of seven regional heats, which are being held across the country between January and March.

We caught up with Alex to find out how he is following in his lecturer’s footsteps…

How did you find the regional heat?

Fairly easy – I finished in good time.

What was the most difficult part of today’s competition?

Waiting for the result.

Are you looking forward to the Final?

Definitely, because I wasn’t expecting to go!

What attracted you to a career in the electrical industry?

I’ve moved through careers and this is where I’ve ended up.

Where are you doing your apprenticeship and what will your employer think of your success so far in the competition?

MECH Building Services and he’ll be proud. If I didn’t win he’d have rubbed it in because he won this same competition a while ago.

How did you get an apprenticeship?

I fell into it! I was working for my father-in-law who had a friend who could keep me busy for a few weeks and I never left.

What do you dislike the most about the electrical industry?

Working inside in the summer.

What did you have for breakfast?

Porridge.

What’s your favourite song at the moment?

Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran.

What’s your favourite TV show?

Sons of Anarchy.

Find out more: http://www.sparks-magazine.co.uk/meet-our-midlands-regional-heat-winner/