Young electrician proves he’s a bright spark

David Spiers (front), winner of the Northern Ireland ECA Edmundson Electrical Apprentice of the Year award, with (l-r) Nick Oldfield, OHare & McGovern Project Manager for Windsor Park, Paul Dickson, MD of William Coates and Gary Coleman Snr Electrical Contract Manager. INNT 44-500CON

David Spiers, who works for Mallusk-based mechanical and electrical engineering company William Coates, took the coveted title following a rigorous assessment process overseen by an independent panel of judges.

The 22-year-old’s win makes it an impressive hat-trick for William Coates - the firm’s third success in the prestigious industry awards in as many years.

David has been with the company for four years and not only has he recently completed his apprenticeship, but is now employed as an electrician with William Coates.

David Spiers (front), winner of the Northern Ireland ECA Edmundson Electrical Apprentice of the Year award, with apprentices and senior management from William Coates, Mallusk at the new-look Windsor Park stadium. INNT 44-501CON

The ECA awards, which have been running for over 40 years, recognise industry talent across the UK.

Established in 1961, William Coates focuses on developing and nurturing talent via its apprenticeship programmes. The company currently has 12 apprentices working on high profile accounts such as the new national football stadium at Windsor Park alongside main contractor O‘Hare & McGovern.

David is currently working with the team on the Windsor Park project, which includes full mechanical and electrical installations.

“It’s an honour to receive this prestigious award and recognition,” David said. “This would not have been possible without the support, encouragement and belief from all of the team at William Coates. The training the company has provided has been first class and it is a privilege that I am now employed as a full time member of this brilliant team.”

Gary Coleman, Senior electrical contracts manager at William Coates, who was also an apprentice with the firm, commented: “William Coates is delighted that our apprentice David Spiers has won this prestigious award. He is talented, committed and we are delighted he is now a qualified electrician.

“This is the third time in a row that one of our apprentices has achieved this award which reflects the commitment we have to our apprentices and the programme, which has been running for a number of years. Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to gain skills and learn on the job and it something which I have particular connection with as I too started my career as an apprentice with William Coates. The company gave me the opportunity to grow and progress to where I am today.”

ECA Northern Ireland Regional Manager, Alfie Watterson, added: “We’re delighted that David Spiers has won the Northern Ireland ECA Edmundson Award for best apprentice - a real indication of the talent that exists in our industry in Northern Ireland. Congratulations also to William Coates, which has been a leading advocate of apprenticeships across the electrical and electrotechnical sector.”

As part of his award, David received a £500 prize, a contractor’s tool kit and a certificate of commendation.