Royal School of Military Engineering

Location:
1 Royal School of Military Engineering (1RSME),
Brompton Barracks
Chatham
Kent ME4 4UG

Entry Point: Main Gate Brompton Barracks

Upon arrival at the main gate, competitors will be stopped by friendly security personnel. They are to inform them that they are attending the WorldSkills event. They will then be directed to the Reception Centre, where they will be issued with an event security pass and vehicle pass.

Following this, they will be met by military personnel supporting the WorldSkills event who will assist them further and escort them to the parking area and completion area. Once they have arrived at the competition administration area they will receive a security brief and camp orientation to nearest facilities and out of bounds areas. Throughout the event there will be military personnel supporting the event and provide support and guidance.

For attendees arriving by train:

The nearest railway station is Gillingham (Kent), located approximately 1 mile from Brompton Barracks. A taxi rank is available adjacent to the station. Alternatively, the walk takes about 25 minutes through the town.

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.

RSME (Royal School of Military Engineering)
Regimental Headquarters Royal Engineers
Ravelin Building
Brompton Barracks
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4UG

View on Google Maps

If you require local accommodation the nearest hotel is the Travelodge Historic Dockyard, Western Avenue, Chatham ME4 4NT. Telephone: 08715 591878

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:

*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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.