Bright sparks!

Approximately 35 Otago and Southland Electrical Trades apprentices have been battling it out at a two-day competition this week hosted by Master Electricians at the Dunedin Campus.

2025 marks the 25th year of the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge and OP hosted the event in He Toki Kai Te Rika (T Block) for the second consecutive year.

OP apprentices dominated the industrial category with a win across the top three spots:

• 1st place: Philip Anderson (apprentice with Aotea)
• 2nd place: Scott Fleck (apprentice with Switchbuild)
• 3rd place: Casey Henry (apprentice with Aotea)

Dan Napier, OP apprentice with Southern Electrical also scooped 2nd place in the Commercial/Domestic category. 

Dave Bettis, Head of Allied Trades, says “it was fantastic to see the high level of skill and ability across the competition. To have so many of our own apprentices bring home a top place is just fantastic as it was a very strong field and awesome to see Casey doing so well in there!”

Since leaving the OP Functions and Catering team, Casey has been working for Aotea Electric based in Dunedin.

“It’s been cool to be part of such a large organisation with varying and exciting projects,” says Casey.

“I’ve been working in Nelson on a new PLC controlled Motor Control Centre for Ravensdown and have also been working at the new Dunedin Outpatients Hospital. I’ve also been working on off-grid domestic solar and battery storage installations.

“I’m learning so much about the electrical industry and working with lots of different electricians, all with different skill sets.

When asked how much the pre-trade programme helped to prepare him for his apprenticeship, Casey was full of praise.

“It was so worthwhile. My successful work experience placement with Control Focus led to an apprenticeship opportunity.

“I was also involved with the pre-wiring of the Charity House carpentry project which was a great experience and helped to grow my practical skills.

And how was competing in the Apprenticeship Challenge?

“It wasn’t actually as stressful as I thought it would be. Although, time was definitely a factor, I did manage to complete more of my challenges.

“It was the first time I’d worked on programming a PLC during the challenge which was a really cool learning experience.

“I’m definitely going to compete again next year – maybe I can even get through the finals in 2026!”