A former Uxbridge College student has won first place in a national competition.
Samuel Stevely showcased his practical expertise and problem-solving skills in the SPARKS Learner of the Year 2026 competition, held to celebrate emerging talent across the UK electrical sector.
Top spot
At the national final in Birmingham, seven finalists were tasked with completing a bespoke electrical installation over two days.
Samuel impressed the judges and was named the winner of the prestigious title.
He said: “I loved taking part in the competition. It gave me confidence, knowing I could go up against people who’d been selected as the best in their region and come out on top.”
Samuel was put forward for the SPARKS competition by David Kilmartin, lecturer in Electrical Installation at Uxbridge College.
David said: “Samuel is definitely going to be an inspiration for the next SPARKS competition, and he’s agreed to come in and talk to our apprentices in the next academic year.”
The apprenticeship route
Samuel studied his Level 3 Electrical Installation apprenticeship at Uxbridge College, part of HRUC (Harrow, Uxbridge and Richmond Colleges).
He said: “The college is where I got the basis of my learning. In order to be the best, you’ve got to practice your skill. The apprenticeship route really set me up for that. The confidence it gave me is the best thing – going on site, refining my craft, and getting support and feedback.”
A full circle moment
At the time of writing, Samuel is about to begin a new role working at his dream company.
He added: “Everything I’ve done throughout my apprenticeship has put me in the position to have a seat at the same table with people I’ve looked up to since the start of my apprenticeship, so it’s a full circle moment to now be welcomed in as one of them. It’s quite an exciting time.”
Photo credits: SPARKS Magazine