







Aico’s free, award-winning Expert Installer Training scheme is FIA CPD accredited and is designed to provide installers with all the information to correctly install domestic home life safety systems, including Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Environmental Sensors.
elcome to the summer issue of SPARKS Magazine! Whether you’re here for the step-by-step guides, the fun quizzes, or the revision exercises, there’s plenty to get stuck into. And of course, no issue would be complete without our Epic Fail section at the back - always good for a laugh (or a cringe!).
Each year, we travel across the UK to meet the next generation of electrical talent in our SPARKS Learner of the Year and SPARKS Female Skills competitions. These events wouldn’t happen without the incredible support of manufacturers who are keen to help you get started in your career. Check out the highlights on pages 5 and 17, and head over to Instagram to hear what this year’s competitors had to say!
Taking part in competitions is a fantastic way to challenge yourself, gain confidence, and connect with others in the industry. Thinking about giving it a go in 2026? Talk to your lecturer - you could be our next big winner!
Enjoy the issue!
EDITOR
EDITOR:
CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN design@sng-publishing.co.uk
DIGITAL MANAGER: PHOEBE MANSFIELD phoebe.mansfield@sng-publishing.co.uk
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER:
SARAH HERNE sarah.herne@sng-publishing.co.uk
EVENT MANAGER: REISS BASSETT reiss.bassett@sng-publishing.co.uk
MARKETING MANAGER: SAMANTHA COLE samantha.cole@sng-publishing.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR: ZOË TANNER zoe.tanner@sng-publishing.co.uk
TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTOR: LEWIS BLAKEMORE
WIGAN & LEIGH COLLEGE
PRINTERS: Stephens & George, Wales
© SNG Publishing Ltd, 2025
Whether you’re starting out as an apprentice or a student, @sparksmagazineuk is your go-to for career tips, competitions and exclusive opportunities.
FOLLOW US FOR:
■ Top tips on making money - and even building a career - through social media.
■ Opportunities for brand deals and ambassadorships.
■ Giveaways – win tools and products to help you hit the ground running.
■ Updates on our Learner of the Year and Female Skills competitions - find out how to enter and what you could win.
5 WAYS TO GET PAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA
1
2
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BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Get paid to promote tools, workwear or materials you already use. Brands love authentic tradies who can show their gear in action.
AMBASSADOR ROLES
Land long-term partnerships and rep a brand regularly, with perks like free gear, early access to new tools and actual pay.
MONETISE YOUR PLATFORM
Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram pay creators based on views and engagement. This takes time, but it adds up!
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Share custom links to tools or gear you rate - and earn money every time someone buys through your link!
PROMOTE YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Showcasing your work on social media builds trust, brings in more clients and leads to better-paying jobs.
NAPIT Foundation is our free membership scheme available to students, colleges and training establishments across the UK.
Through this membership NAPIT Foundation members get access to expert technical support, industry news and updates, as well as discounts to industry publications and training rigs.
The NAPIT publications, written by our expert technical team, have all been updated to A2:2022. An absolute must have for your tool bag! Our clean tool & machine area is set aside to produce bespoke high spec training & assessment rigs. Take the best first step in your career and join with a leading UK scheme provider, NAPIT!
Foundation are the Official Judging Partner of SPARKS Learner of the Year 2025
Our seven finalists undertook a live 10-hour practical test, carried out across two days.
The competitors were:
FRANKIE MCALL SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
The SPARKS Learner of the Year 2025 champion has been crowned after a thrilling competition that showcased the UK’s brightest up-and-coming electricians.
DREW SQUIRES O’SULLIVAN GOWER COLLEGE SWANSEA
Throughout the competition, contestants were assessed by the Technical Team at NAPIT, who evaluated their performance in key areas, including:
■ PRECISION MEASURING
■ CABLE INSTALLATION AND TERMINATION
■ CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY
■ PPE AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
■ TIME MANAGEMENT
■ COMPLIANCE WITH WIRING REGULATIONS
■ WORK NEATNESS AND ORGANISATION
TAYLOR SLADE BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
REGIONAL HEATS (JAN-FEB):
Level 2 and 3 students from colleges nationwide battled it out in six regional heats, demonstrating their ability to work under pressure while showcasing their technical expertise.
The top seven finalists reached the Grand Final at JTL in Birmingham on 2nd & 3rd April, where they faced a demanding 10-hour practical test. After two intense days, Frankie McAll from South Hampshire College Group was crowned the 2025 winner, with Drew Squires O'Sullivan from Gower College Swansea as runner-up.
JAY WESTON COLLEGE
■ GAIN CONFIDENCE ■ WIN AMAZING PRIZES
■ BOOST YOUR CV ■ IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
■ GET NOTICED!
THE JUDGES:
Our official judging partners from NAPIT included: John Eastwood, Steve Humphries and Andy Duffen - alongside Amy Barratt-Singh, from Amy the Sparky.
GUEST JUDGE:
We were also joined by guest judge Gina York of Daughter Electrical Ltd. PADDY MORAN CLIFFORD COLLEGE
“Competitions like this are so important – anything we can do to give back to the industry we serve is a good thing. There's a massive shortage of apprentices coming through, especially electrical apprentices, so supporting learners is vital. Putting competitions like this on your CV will really stand you in good stead for future employers.”
Jamie Neal, Head of Customer Engagement at Luceco Group
Delivering advanced technology, ease of use, and reliable performance for all public and commercial environments.
As part of our evolution into Sync Energy, we’re launching the Pro Charger range –expanding our energy-efficient solutions for public and commercial use.
Designed for ease of installation with intuitive touchscreens and flexible payment options for a seamless user experience and reliable performance.
Discover more at www.sync.energy/commercial or scan the QR code
Providing smart, cost-effective EV charging with full control via the Sync Energy app, designed for both installers and users.
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Scan the QR code to view the complete range
Drew is an apprentice studying at Gower College Swansea
“IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT, YOU CAN DO IT”
“IT'S QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT; I’M JUST A BIT STUNNED!”
“THE PRESSURE HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART... YOU NEED TO KEEP CALM AND COLLECTED”
“THE JUDGES ARE THERE, YOU CAN ASK THEM QUESTIONS. THEY MAKE A FEW JOKES... BIT OF BANTER IN THE WORKSHOP”
“THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE PRIZES THAT HAVE BEEN PROVIDED... IT'S BEEN AN ENJOYABLE DAY!"
Frankie is an apprentice studying at South Hampshire College Group and JTL Training
“I DIDN'T THINK I WAS GOING TO WIN. THE OTHER PEOPLE WERE ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD”
“I THINK THEY SAID IT WAS JUST ONE MARK BETWEEN US!”
“I MANAGED TO GET IT ALL DONE WITHIN THE TIME LIMIT, AND TO A GOOD STANDARD”
“FITTING THE BOARD, PUTTING THE SOCKETS ON AND THE SWITCHES… WAS DEFINITELY THE BEST PART”
“I’VE GOT SOME GREAT PRIZES, INCLUDING MILWAUKEE GEAR, THAT WILL DEFINITELY BE USEFUL”
“THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS!”
Close to completing your apprenticeship and due to take your AM2S?
Here’s a quick guide to explain what happens at each step of the process.
First, you’ll go through a ‘Gateway Check’ where NET checks you’re eligible for the assessment. You’ll need to sign the ‘Readiness for Assessment Checklist’ – you should only sign this if you’re completely confident you have all the skills and knowledge needed. It’s an important document, so you shouldn’t be put under any pressure to sign it.
Once NET approves your gateway check, your assessment can be booked. There will be at least 10 working days between making the booking and sitting your assessment, so you can be fully prepared and get yourself ready.
When you arrive at the assessment centre, you’ll have an induction before you start. During your assessment, your assessor will use objective criteria to mark whether or not you have met the required standard for each task.
If you’re unsuccessful, you’ll be given general feedback statements on where you didn’t meet the criteria, to indicate where further training or improvement may be needed before you re-sit the assessment.
You’ll receive your result five days after the assessor has submitted your marks and NET has moderated the results.
Once you’ve passed, NET will issue your End Point Assessment certificate. If you’re an apprentice in England, NET will also apply for your Apprenticeship Completion certificate, which comes from the Department for Education.
While you’re waiting for your assessment, do everything you can to prepare – visit
“WHILE YOU’RE WAITING FOR YOUR ASSESSMENT, DO
Visit the NET website to access free resources and videos.
#Alarms Save Lives
The technologically advanced 3000 Series includes both Multi-Sensor and Single-Sensor alarms, detecting Fire and Carbon Monoxide from just one range, while maintaining the simplicity that installers love.
Smart, connected and future-proof.
Now in its third year, the SPARKS Female Skills Competition is fast becoming a prominent event – celebrating the confidence, creativity and technical skill of young women pursuing careers in the electrical industry.
This year’s search for outstanding electrical talent began in February, as female learners from Levels 2 and 3 took part in a trio of regional heats across the UK. The quality of work across the heats made the judging process a real challenge - with six exceptional finalists chosen for their skill, understanding, and technical ability.
The six finalists met at Stephenson Campus – SMB College Group, Coalville, for a day of practical tests. Gracie Donaghy from Weston College took the title, with Charlie Kirby from Northampton
College as runner-up - both showcasing the trade’s rising talent.
THE JUDGES:
This year’s judges included Darren Oates from NET (our official judging partner), along with Amy BarrattSingh of Amy the Sparky and Gina York of Daughter Electrical Ltd.
GUEST JUDGES:
Charlotte Bobbett, 2024 SPARKS FSC Winner
Anne Greaves, 2024 SPARKS FSC Runner-Up
HERE’S WHAT LAST YEAR’S WINNER AND RUNNER-UP HAD TO SAY:
“I've definitely gained confidence. Really gave me a good sense of belief that you can do things even if you feel like you're not good enough.”
Anne Greaves, 2024 SPARKS FSC Runner-Up
“It feels nicer being on this side of the table, being on this side of the judging, not having the pressure of having to compete. It’s been really nice!”
Charlotte Bobbett, 2024 SPARKS FSC Winner
A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: GRACIE
Charlie is an apprentice studying at Northampton College
“IT
WAS DEFINITELY A MASSIVE SHOCK FOR ME. I DIDN'T THINK I WAS GOING TO FINISH IN TIME”
“MY FAVOURITE PART DEFINITELY HAD TO BE JUST WIRING IT UP AND SECOND FIXING”
“IT'S
DEFINITELY GOING TO HELP ME OUT WITHIN MY WORKING LIFE”
“THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING”
“We’re thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the SPARKS Female Skills Competition 2025. As long-time supporters of the SPARKS competitions, it’s fantastic to see the continued growth of skills and confidence among the next generation entering the industry.”
Mark Stuart, Electric Center
“HONESTLY, I HAVE NO WORDS FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE I'M TRULY SPEECHLESS!”
“I FOUND IT CHALLENGING BUT IN A GOOD WAY”
“I LIKE THAT WE HAVE TO TEST OUR SKILLS”
Gracie is an apprentice studying at Weston College
“EVERYONE'S LOVELY, OBVIOUSLY WE'RE ALL HERE TO WIN, BUT IT IS REALLY NICE MEETING EVERYONE”
“EVERY SINGLE PRIZE IS INSANE!”
“EVERYONE'S REALLY FRIENDLY AND IT'S NICE TO SHARE EXPERIENCES WITH EACH OTHER”
FireAngel’s Specification range of grade D1 mains-powered alarms are designed with both safety and installer ease in mind.
Correct installation is vital – not only for compliance, but to ensure reliable fire home protection in properties at all times.
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO ENSURE CORRECT HARDWIRE INSTALLATION:
STEP 1
FIT THE BASE PLATE
Secure the base plate to the ceiling. If using the optional shroud, clip it to the base plate first. Remove the terminal block cover to prepare for wiring.
STEP 2
WIRE IT IN
Feed in the 230V mains cable through the base plate and connect the wiring into the terminal block as shown in the FireAngel manual. Replace the terminal cover to keep the installation safe and tidy.
“THE EASY-TO-FIT SPECIFICATION RANGE HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH INSTALLERS IN MIND”
CONNECT THE ALARM
Line up the alarm with the base plate and press it into place until you hear it click. Now switch on the mains electricity supply.
TOP TIP:
Add a Smart RF module at this stage to create a wireless network. Follow the wireless pairing instructions in the manual.
Make sure the green LED is lit. Press the large central button and test the alarm to confirm it’s powered and working. If building work is still ongoing, fit the dust cap to protect the unit until works are completed.
REMOVE THE DUST CAP
When all building works are finished, remove the dust cap and carry out a final test.
Make sure there are no amber fault lights showing - that means the alarm is working and it’s good to go!
SCAN HERE
to find out more about the FireAngel Specification range.
REVISION GUIDE BY LEWIS BLAKEMORE
Head of Construction at Wigan & Leigh College
Every electrician needs to stay on top of the standards, procedures and regs that apply to inspection and testing work.
Test your knowledge with these multiple-choice questions. Good luck!
Which regulation covers the periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations in the UK?
BS 7671
BS 6290
BS 5266
is the minimum insulation resistance value for a 230V circuit according to BS 7671?
does the acronym 'RCD' stand for in electrical terms?
Residual Current Device
Radical Circuit Distributor
Reactive Current Detector
Resistive Circuit Device
is the primary purpose of performing a continuity test in an electrical installation?
To check voltage levels
To measure current flow
To verify the integrity of the conductors
To ensure proper earthing
an inspection, what is the maximum disconnection time for a TN system under fault conditions?
Loop Tester
Insulation Tester
Q7 According to BS 7671, how often should a domestic electrical installation be inspected and tested?
A Every 5 years
B Every 10 years
C Every 15 years
D Every 20 years
Q8 What is the main reason for performing polarity tests on an electrical installation?
A To check the earth continuity
B To ensure correct connection of live conductors
C To measure insulation resistance
D To verify the presence of voltage
Q9 Which device protects against both overload and short-circuit conditions?
RCD
MCB
RCCB
RCBO
Q10 In a TT system, what is the maximum permissible earth fault loop impedance (Zs) for a 30mA RCD?
50 Ω
1667 Ω
200 Ω
1000 Ω Go to sparks-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.
Why? Because a career as an electrician offers excellent earning potential, job security, and global opportunities!
YOU’VE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEPHERE’S WHY YOU’VE MADE A GREAT CHOICE:
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⊲ DIVERSE AND ENGAGING WORK
No two days are the same. From installations to troubleshooting and inspections, electricians tackle varied and challenging tasks that keep the job interesting.
⊲ GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
Electrical skills are in demand worldwide, opening doors to work in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and beyond across domestic, commercial, and industrial settings.
⊲ CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND GROWTH
As technology and renewable energy evolve, electricians can specialise in solar power, smart systems, or manufacturing, expanding their career prospects
⊲ HELPING OTHERS EVERY DAY
Electricians provide essential services that keep homes safe, businesses running, and entire communities powered. Your skills make a real difference.
⊲ INDEPENDENCE AND FLEXIBILITY
Many electricians become self-employed, choosing their own projects and schedules for a better work-life balance.
⊲ COMPETITIVE EARNINGS
Electricians enjoy lucrative earning potential, earning £35,000–£40,000 per year on average, with selfemployed professionals having the potential to earn even more.
⊲ HIGH DEMAND AND JOB SECURITY
The Electrical Industry is booming, with revenue projected to hit £31.7 billion by 2024-25. With 75,000 new job openings expected in the coming years, skilled electricians are in high demand.
“IT’S A HANDS-ON, REWARDING TRADE WITH PLENTY OF VARIETY”
“YOUR SKILLS MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE”
Walraven’s RSWB (Rapid Sliding Wall Bracket) is a quick and efficient way to fix electrical boxes in stud walls - no need for wooden noggins.
FOLLOW THESE SIX SIMPLE STEPS TO INSTALL IT:
The RSWB brackets are supplied in two connected halves. Gently bend them to snap the brackets apart.
With the RSWB you simply adjust, fit to the required width, and screw straight in! It’s a must-have for any electrician’s toolkit.
Installer Jordan Davies from Amigo Electrical says: “We use the Walraven RSWB as
Slide the two halves together to form the complete bracket.
“FASTER FIRST-FIXING WITH THE WALRAVEN RSWB”
Bend the fixing tabs at both ends and adjust the bracket to the required length for your installation.
Screw into the studding with two screws through each fixing plate.
“THE WALRAVEN RSWB SHOULD BE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR TOOLKIT!”
Set the bracket back into the stud wall at the required depth. The bracket can be positioned at any depth needed. If it needs to be close to the top of the joist, the fixing plates can be bent along the slotted markers to sit flat against the front of the stud - or bent back inwards out of the way.
Pre-drilled holes along the bracket allow you to screw in your electrical boxes or conduit clips quickly and easily.
SCAN HERE to find out more about the Walraven RSWB.
24-26 June 25 NEC Birmingham
REVISION GUIDE BY
LEWIS BLAKEMORE Head of Construction at Wigan & Leigh College
Understanding the different types of earthing systems is essential for anyone working in the electrical industry.
Test your knowledge with this multiple-choice quiz and see how well you know your TNs from your TTs.
Which of the following is a type of earthing system used in the UK?
TT system
TN-C-S system C TN-S system D All of the above
In a TN-C-S earthing system, what does the 'C' stand for?
Combined
Circuit
Common
Connected
What is the primary function of an earth electrode in a TT system?
To protect against overvoltage
To provide a path to earth
To maintain voltage stability
To regulate current flow
Q4 In a TN-S system, how is the neutral and earth connection configured? Ans.
A They are separate throughout the system
B They are combined throughout the system
C They are combined only at the substation
D They are interconnected at multiple points
Q5 Which earthing system is considered to provide the best protection against electric shock? Ans.
A TT system
B TN-C-S system
C TN-S system
D IT system
Q6 In a PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) system, what additional measure is taken? Ans.
A Multiple earth electrodes are used
B Earth and neutral are combined at multiple points
C Additional RCD protection is mandatory
D Earth rods are installed at every consumer unit
Q7 What does the term "equipotential bonding" refer to in electrical earthing? Ans.
A Bonding all metallic parts to the earth
B Equalising the potential between different conductive parts
C Connecting all earth electrodes to a single point
D Bonding the live wire to earth
Q8
Which test is commonly used to measure earth electrode resistance?
A Insulation resistance test
B Loop impedance test
C Earth fault loop impedance test
D Earth resistance test
Q9
What is the main disadvantage of the TT earthing system?
A High installation cost
B High maintenance requirement
C Dependence on local earth resistance
D Complexity of design
Q10 In which situation is the IT earthing system primarily used?
Domestic installations
B Industrial plants with high safety requirements
C Outdoor lighting systems
D Residential multi-storey buildings
Q11 In a TT earthing system, what is typically required to ensure safety?
A A transformer with an integrated earthing system
B A high-resistance path to earth
C A residual current device (RCD)
D A direct connection between neutral and earth
Go to sparks-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free
“IF YOU’RE ON-SITE, DON’T LEAVE TOOLS LYING AROUND WHERE THEY CAN BE EASILY TAKEN”
Tools are easy to lose or steal if you're not careful. Whether you're working on-site or visiting a customer’s house, taking a few simple precautions can save you time, money, and hassle.
HERE ARE FIVE ESSENTIAL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TOOLS SAFE
1 MARK YOUR TOOLS
Engrave your initials, use a UV pen, or add brightly coloured tape to make your tools easily identifiable. It helps deter thieves and makes lost tools easier to find.
2
KEEP A TOOL INVENTORY
Take a quick photo of your tools before heading to a job. It’s easy to misplace a pair of pliers or a screwdriver - having a record helps you check everything is accounted for.
3
LOCK UP YOUR VAN & STAY VIGILANT
If you have a van, always lock it - even if you’re only stepping away for a moment. If you’re on-site, don’t leave tools lying around where they can be easily taken.
4 USE A LOCKABLE TOOLBOX
A heavy, lockable toolbox adds an extra layer of security. Opportunistic thieves are more likely to grab loose tools than attempt to break into a locked box.
5 DO A FINAL CHECK BEFORE LEAVING A JOB
Before you leave, do a quick scan:
■ Have you picked up all your tools?
■ Anything left under floorboards?
■ Any small tools left in a customer’s house?
These five habits can save a lot of hassle - and a lot of money!
IN ASSOCIATION WITH CRAP ELECTRICAL UK IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE! I'LL JUST HIDE IT IN THE WALL!
Not all electricians are lit, some are downright shocking! We’ve teamed up with Crap Electrical UK, to bring you our regular gallery of wacky wiring and lame lighting.
ROOFERS THINKING THEY ARE ELECTRICIANS!
TRIP LOCKS... BUT IT STILL TRIPS!
OF COURSE THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IS UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS , SILLY ME! OUTSIDE LIGHTS NOT WORKING?
The NEW
Introducing the MFT-X1, the biggest technical advancement in multifunction tester design for a generation. Rated CAT IV to 300 V, Megger UK have designed and built the MFT-X1 for use on all single and three-phase domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical installations.
For more information visit: MFT-X1.megger.com
True Loop™ test with patented Confidence Meter™
CertSuite™ compatible Bluetooth® result transfer
Next generation 2-wire and 3-wire non-trip loop testing
User upgradeable operating system
High resolution 0.001Ω loop test
Automatic volt-drop measurement
Stabilised insulation test voltage
Configurable RCD and EV RDC-DD auto-sequence tests
Fast change rechargeable plug-in battery pack
Re-designed lead set and carry case solution
The NEW BG Circuit Protection range is designed for fast and flexible, professional installations.
Optimised knockouts for easier cable installation
Single module Type 2 Surge Protection Device
Stronger removeable DIN rail design for secure device attachment
Clip-in cable protectors and enhanced grommet strips
Device Style DIN rail mounted blanks
Backed by a 10-year guarantee, and UK-based technical support, this future-ready range easily accommodates evolving demands.
View our full product range at bgelectrical.uk or scan the QR code