Apprentice Harmony Court first female winner of electrical industry contest for trainees

Harmony Court on the stage after winning the Domestic/Commercial division of the 2017 Master Electricians Challenge final held in Auckland last week.

Apprentice electrician Harmony Court has become the first female winner of the Master Electrician's Challenge, the electrical industry's toughest contest for trainees.

Ms Court, 24, who lives in West Auckland but is originally from Whangarei, was named winner of the Domestic/Commercial division of the competition following the gruelling three-day final.

Ms Court, who is doing her apprenticeship with training provider The Electrical Training Company (etco) and working with host employer Epsom-based Leck Electrical, is due to qualify as an electrician early next year.

It was her final chance to clinch the title which she came close to taking as a finalist last year.

Ms Court said thorough preparation had paid off with her victory, in the 16th year the contest has been held.

"It was great getting to the finals for a second time. I had no expectation to win and definitely didn't think it was going to be me. It's a tough competition with awesome competitors and it was harder than last year.

"If I was to say anything to other electrical apprentices in New Zealand, I'd say 'Just do it, and get involved with the Challenge. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of a great experience."

Ms Court applied for an apprenticeship with etco after hearing about it on the radio.

"I absolutely love it. I'm doing something different every day, meeting new people and constantly learning new skills. One day I hope to have my own electrical business."

Master Electricians operations manager Bernie McLaughlin said it had been a nail-biting finish with a very high level of achievement but Ms Court had remained focused.

"She is a very determined individual. She'd left no stone unturned in terms of her preparation. She was totally focused, from the preliminary regional rounds right through to the final, and she hit the ground running."

The finalists faced five rounds of two-hour-long modules, completed over three days of competition, interspersed with off-site challenging activities and team bonding.

Mr McLaughlin said the number of entries to this year's Challenge had rocketed, with employers and trainers using preparation for the contest as part of their training programmes - making it tougher than ever to reach the final.

Champions can go on to enjoy international opportunities, with the titles opening doors for them to represent New Zealand at WorldSkills Competition events.

Ms Courtwon a trophy, $1000 travel prize and $500.