Event Information – Edinburgh College: Sighthill Campus
18/19 June 2025

Please refer to your heat invitation email to confirm which date you are attending

You have successfully completed the SkillELECTRIC 2025 Entry Stage and have been invited to attend a National Qualifier heat.  This page contains important information you need to read and understand before attending your event.

I hope this information helps you to be fully prepared for your competition. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via email or What’s App 07588 640405.

About the heat and your task

The SkillELECTRIC National Qualifier heats are a series of ten events across venues around the UK where competitors will have a set time by which to complete a practical task.

The task has been designed to reflect the role of an Electrical Technician and the standards that are expected within the electrical industry.

All materials to complete the competition piece will be provided by the sponsors.  When you arrive for the competition, you will find all competition materials placed in your work area. Work areas will be randomly allocated to each competitor in advance of the competition and signposted with your name and organisation.

On the day of the competition, we will have a competitor briefing session where you will be given a technical drawing which will include the measurements. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the installation, circuitry etc.

Tasks are designed to test your ability to:

  • Work to the specification and dimensions as detailed on the wiring plan with a tolerance of +/- 2mm
  • Install the competition piece safely to industry recognised standards
  • Complete the competition piece with the materials provided
  • Determine all necessary wiring methods for the correct installation and operation of equipment as described in the specification
  • Carry out a fault-finding test on a purpose-built rig and completing the report
  • Comply with all health and safety legislation and requirements of the competition
  • Wear eye protection when cutting and using a battery drill (this applies to using the drill for fixings)
  • Wear eye protection and gloves when stripping SWA cable
  • Carry out basic electrical tests to the standard as per the specification to demonstrate to the judges that the installation is safe to energise.  Only judges or appointed persons are authorised to energise an installation and their decision is final.

Travel and Accommodation

Edinburgh College (Sighthill Campus)
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh
EH11 4DE

View on Google Maps

If you require local accommodation the nearest hotel is Travelodge Edinburgh Park, 53 S Gyle Broadway, Edinburgh EH12 9LR. Telephone: 0871 984 6556

Schedule

Give yourself plenty of time to travel, factoring in a break if needed.  Parking will be available and when you arrive at the venue, please make your way to the main reception where you will be registered and then directed to the competition workshop.  Consider the time it will take for this and to bring your tools to the competition area.

The schedule below is an approximate guide and if there are any changes to it you will be contacted well in advance:

From 8:15 Competitors and supporters arrive onsite
9:00 – 9:30 Competitors general briefing and familiarisation of the competition area
9:30 – 12:00 Competition
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch break (lunch will be provided for all competitors only)
12:45 – 14:45 Competition
14:45 – 15:00 All competitors to clear up all tools and equipment from competition bays
15:00 – 15:15 Photos and interviews*
15:15 Competitors and supporters depart
15:15 – 17:15 Judges to assess competition

*These will be short informal social media style interviews asking (for instance) how the day has gone, what did you enjoy about the competition etc. 

What to Wear

The competition days are long and demanding, therefore competitors are advised to be dressed in comfortable and appropriate clothing reflecting their profession and organisation e.g. company work overalls.  Please remember to bring the relevant PPE (see the tool list below), you will not be able to compete unless you have these with you.

Tool List

Please bring and use your own tools, equipment and consumable items as per the tool list below.  Please be prepared and double check your tool box, as the competition venue may not be able to provide any spare tools or consumable items.

The following items are restricted and must not be used:

  • ‘Stanley’ type craft knives (an electrician’s knife is recommended)
  • 230v / 110v power tools (battery operated screwdrivers and chargers are allowed).

Please note any live connection and testing can only be carried out by the judges once they have confirmed that the installation is safe and correct. No mains powered tools or Stanley knives are allowed on site.

For any additional tools competitors want to bring please check with NET in advance if they are permitted and required.

Download the Tools List

Safe Working

At all times we will ask competitors:

  • To work safely always and take appropriate precautions when working with any tools that have a potential safety hazard
  • To wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) i.e. safety glasses/ goggles, gloves, protective footwear at all times during the competition while installing and testing. This includes hard hats or bump caps when working at height dependent on the task*
  • Not to carry out any live working without supervision from a judge
  • Not to use power tools except a battery-operated drill (preferably not impact)
  • To comply with additional competition rules for safety

* All PPE must be provided by the competitor

Competition Rules and Code of Conduct

As the Competition Organising Partner, NET is responsible for you having a safe and enjoyable competition experience. For the duration of the competition, competitors will be observed against the expected standards, practices and behaviours as set out in the SkillELECTRIC competition rules, code of conduct and WorldSkills UK competition rules. We expect all competitors to use this as a guide for how to best behave during the competition at all times.

Please remember there may be a number of industry representatives attending your competition and it would be in your best interest to positively represent yourself and your organisation at all times. If you choose to behave outside of the guidance provided, NET cannot be accountable for your actions and this may result in disqualification of your place in the competition.

Health and Safety

All necessary risk assessments will take place prior to the competition and shared with the venue to be approved.  Please note that you are responsible for complying with the health and safety requirements set out by NET which will be shared with you on the day of your arrival at your briefing session.

Download the National Qualifier risk assessment

Support Requirements

If you made us aware of any particular personal needs (e.g. medical or mental health requirements) we will be in touch, if we have not already contacted you. On a case by case basis we will review and make reasonable adjustments to support your needs so that you can compete.

Competitor Guests

We encourage you to invite guests to attend the competition, whether that be your employer, tutor or friends and family to support you.  After the briefing session they will not be allowed to stay in the competition area and we strongly advise that you limit contact with them during competition time, as this may distract you.  If you are observed with your tutor or employer asking for or being given advice whilst the live competition is taking place, you may be disqualified.

There will be a room available for guests and we will ask the venue to supply Wi-Fi access so they may work.  Alternatively your guests are welcome to use the facilities at the venue e.g. canteen/café.

Unfortunately, NET is unable support the costs of travel, accommodation or subsistence for guests attending and lunch is only provided for the competitors.

Filming and Photography

At the competition we will have a photographer who will be taking photos of you (if you give us consent) as you work. They will also take head shots and group photos which we can use to promote your participation.

We will also ask you to take part in some short informal questions on camera covering things such as ‘how did you find the event, what did you enjoy most about the day’ etc, to use for SkillELECTRIC social media and NET events.

The photographer has been briefed to be mindful that you are focusing on competing. If you feel that they are distracting you then just let a judge or myself know and we will discreetly ask them to stop.

General Information about SkillELECTRIC

SkillELECTRIC is organised by the industry charity NET (National Electrotechnical Training) who own, manage and develop numerous Assessments of Occupational Competence on behalf of the industry.

SkillELECTRIC is the industry’s premier annual skills competition and has Electric Center, the NICEIC and Scolmore Group as its delivery partners.

Possible WorldSkills progression

SkillELECTRIC is the only route to the next WorldSkills Electrical Installation competition taking place in Aichi, Japan, in 2028.

Those who meet the age criteria (competitor must be aged 22 or under in the year of competition i.e. born on or after January 31st 2006) and meet the standard, may be considered for a place in Squad UK following the 2025 UK Final.