KIRKBY Lonsdale's James Taylor is one of eight candidates to make it through to the final of the Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition.

More than 650 budding electricians originally entered the competition which is open to all Level 3 students, and seeks to test the skills and knowledge of the candidates who put themselves forward.

Mr Taylor has already undertaken an online assessment to test levels of electrical knowledge and a 90-minute practical exam held at a number of locations across the UK and marked by industry experts.

The brightest talents will be rewarded with a range of prizes – including holiday vouchers worth £2,000 for the winner, £750 for the runner up and £250 for third place. The eight finalists will also each receive an engraved trophy, an iPad and a pack of products from Scolmore, a leading player in the electrical industry.

The final will take place at Scolmore Group’s head offices in Tamworth, Staffordshire, on Tuesday, June 5. The finalists will be required to complete a number of challenging practical tasks over the course of the day.

Mr Taylor is currently in his third year as an apprentice with Bainbridge Electrical in Kendal. He is delighted to have got through to the final and should he win the competition, the holiday vouchers would be used to take his partner on a trip to Mexico.