Aussie spark crowned SJIB Apprentice of the Year 2025

Callan White, from Livingston, took home this year’s top title after impressing judges with his technical ability and professionalism

A talented young electrician has been rewarded for outstanding commitment and skill after being crowned Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2025.

Callan White, from Livingston, took home this year’s top title after impressing judges with his technical ability, professionalism and “exceptional attitude towards learning and improvement”.

The 26-year-old, who works for H F Electrical Ltd, received his trophy from SJIB Chair Jock Simpson at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel, Holyrood on October 9.

Callan – who moved to Scotland from Melbourne, Australia, as a teenager – was also presented with a £1,000 voucher as part of his prize, recognising his achievement in a highly competitive field of finalists.

Callan completed his apprenticeship with West Lothian College, supported by Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) Training Officer Jim Birrell. He achieved an impressive 97% in his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) earlier this year. 

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award. My apprenticeship has been full of challenges, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

This year’s competition also featured Ewan MacDonald, 22, from Inverness, and Duncan Lucy, 24, from Kilmarnock, as finalists.

Ewan works for Ross-Shire Engineering Ltd and trained at UHI Inverness under SECTT Training Officers Graham Keil and Iain Lamont.

In contrast, Duncan works for Ronnie Duncan Electrician and studied at Ayrshire College under Training Officer Daniel Flanigan.