SkillELECTRIC is a challenging two-and-a-half-day competition designed to promote standards and practical skills across the mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering industry. The event is organised by SummitSkills.

In 2008, 10 individuals who were trained for and presently hold M&E jobs across the UK competed for the title of SkillELECTRIC champion. They undertook a series of practical tests that highlighted their abilities and skills, including installing units, power circuits and cabling, both to a high specification and within tight timeframes. Scores were awarded to those who were capable of completing their tasks to an international standard while taking into consideration factors such as health, safety and environmental sustainability. Each of the top three winners was presented a trophy and an electrician’s multimetre, the best sort that those with M&E jobs can dream for.

In the words of Keith Marshall, chief executive of SummitSkills: “All of the competitors coped remarkably well and undertook their tasks with confidence and determination.???? SkillELECTRIC is part of Skill M&E, three skills competitions that promote Electrical & Mechanical Engineering jobs and seek the finest M&E engineers in the building services industry. The two other competitions are SkillFRIDGE for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and SkillPLUMB for the plumbing industry.

The winners from the UK finals will participate in the WorldSkills competition, which will take place in Calgary, Canada, in 2009. This biennial event is the largest skills competition in the world and attracts approximately 1,000 contestants who are training for and hold M&E jobs in more than 50 countries.