A TRAINEE electrician has charged his way into the final of his trade’s apprentice of the year awards.

Hayden Smith is one of just eight electrician apprentices in the country to make it into the final round of the NICEIC Apprentice of the Year competition in June.

The 18-year-old from King Georges Avenue in Dovercourt has battled past 400 competitors, taking an online exam and a one and a half hour long written exam to qualify.

Now he has just weeks before a full day practical exam will choose the overall winner.

Hayden, who works for Shane Scott Electrical in Harwich, said: “I’m quite surprised at how far I’ve got, but really pleased.

“It’s one of those things I thought was worth doing but didn’t expect I would get this far.

“There were 400 or more people who entered.

“I’m excited for the final but a bit nervous too - you can’t prepare for it as you don’t know what it will be.”

Hayden started as an apprentice with boss Shane when he left the Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

He has spent three years learning the trade, with most of his time spent on site and one day a week at the Colchester Institute.

“It’s been really interesting going from not knowing anything to what I know now.

“It’s a lot better doing an apprenticeship than full-time college for me as I’m getting hands on training instead of from a book.

“On the job I can see how things work in real life.

“It’s a lot easier doing it this way.”

Boss Shane said its good to see young people doing well.

“I’m very proud of him,” he added.

“He did work experience from school and in the holidays, when he left school he then came to me.

“Someone gave me an opportunity in life so I wanted to give someone else a chance.”