Electrical installer, Anne Greaves finishes second in the country in national competition

Anne Greaves, a student from Leicester College, has finished second in the SPARKS Female Skills Competition, a nationwide contest that looks for the best up-and-coming talent amongst women studying Level 2 and 3 electrical installation courses.

The competition hosted three regional heats across the country earlier this year, with Anne winning the Midlands heat and securing her place in the final. Anne is studying the Level 3 Electrical Installation course at Leicester College. She went head-to-head with the other two finalists in the last leg of the competition at SMB College Group in Leicestershire on Thursday 18 April 2024. Anne is now looking to compete in the regional World Skills competition later on in the year.

Speaking about her placing in the final, Anne said: “I was nervous to take part in the competition, I felt I may be out of my depth. However, I was positively encouraged by the staff at the College, and I am glad I took part. It has really boosted my confidence in what I do. I have proven to myself that I can overcome any barriers. I would definitely consider participating in competitions in the future. The atmosphere was fantastic and being around my peers was uplifting.”

Philip Cox, Programme Lead for Electrical Installation, commented: “Anne’s runner up place is testimony to how dedicated she is and the commitment she has made to being a professional electrician. Through hard work and effort to learn new skills, she has demonstrated to all what can be achieved through the provision of our adult programme.”

Verity Hancock, Principal and CEO of Leicester College, added: “We are so proud of Anne for making the finals of the SPARKS competition and representing Leicester College in such a professional and inspiring way. Her achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of our women students to succeed in trades such as electrical installation.”

The competition is run by SPARKS Magazine, a publication that supports the next generation of learners and lecturers in the construction, engineering, and hairdressing and barber trades. The competition runs every year to not only seek upcoming talent among electrical students, but also to help them network with other learners in the same trade, learn new skills and win prizes along the way.