Jack Hawkins from ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) Member business Camelot Electrical, has been announced as this year’s winner of the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award.
Jack was among three finalists in this golden anniversary year for the awards. He impressed the judges at the in-person interview, showcasing how he can be a role model for the next generation of engineering apprentices.
The judges looked for passion for learning and development, as well as awareness of issues and challenges in the industry and a vision for the future. They also looked for a commitment to the industry and the ECA Member business they work for; and good communication skills.
Jack has won rewards including £3,000; an overseas study trip, courtesy of Thorn Lighting, to the Zumtobel factory in Austria; and a state-of-the-art Megger toolkit to begin his electrical engineering career.
Family-run Camelot Electrical, based in Newport, South Wales, has also won a one-year BSI subscription and a one-year Electrical OM Licence worth more than £300.
Runners-up Ewan Forsythe from Michael Nugent and Gary Hall from Dalkia Engineering were also awarded £2,000 and a Megger toolkit each.
Jack said:
“I feel truly honoured to be recognised as the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year 2025. I would like to thank my employers at Camelot Electrical for always guiding me on the right path and always believing me. They have been amazing throughout my apprenticeship and allowed me to do extra training to be able to further excel within the industry.
“I would also like to thank the team at JTL for the guidance and support throughout my apprenticeship. It has been greatly appreciated and made the journey a fun and rewarding one.
“My advice for aspiring electricians would be firstly enjoy and embrace the ever-changing industry. Make sure to ask lots of questions and take lots of notes. And most importantly always be punctual as it will go a long way for the employers."
Paul Russell, Managing Director at Camelot Electrical Ltd, said:
“We at Camelot Electrical Ltd are all so very proud of what Jack has achieved during his apprenticeship. Being shortlisted for this award then getting down to the final three is a testament to Jack’s hard work, dedication and enthusiasm for the electrical industry. As an employer, Jack is the perfect employee and fantastic role model for all our other apprentices.
“For Jack to go on and win the award is the icing on the cake and fuels Jack’s passion for knowledge.
“We would also like to thank Jack’s training office Rhys Regan from JTL Training for his support in Jack’s development, and finally Edmundson Electrical, ECA, Thorn Lighting and The Royal Society for making yesterday such a special day for us all.”
Ruth Devine, ECA President, said:
“Jack embodies all the values we would expect, and more, of apprentices. His knowledge and passion for the industry shows just how vital his contribution will be to the future of electrification in the UK. It was very clear how driven he is and will be a remarkable role model for current and future apprentices to look up to. Congratulations to Jack, and also Ewan and Michael, for getting through to the final stage.”
Last updated 17 September 25