Student Calum Smith is the toast of Bournemouth and Poole College after completing his apprenticeship in record time.

The 22-year-old finished his four-year Electrical Installation Apprenticeship Level 3 in just three years, achieving a distinction.

He decided to retrain as an electrician after working as a qualified mechanic for six years.

Calum worked with local firms GF Electrical and Henshall Electrical during his apprenticeship.

He’s now embarked on a career as a self-employed installation electrician, working on a mix of commercial and residential contracts.

Course lecturer, Jason Hutchinson, said: “We are proud of Calum and his accomplishment.

“He was an excellent student and the whole electrical department are proud of his achievements and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of his journey.

“Completing a rigorous apprenticeship in record time, and with a distinction, is a commendable feat and we have no doubts that he will go onto great things and look forward to working with him when he eventually decides to bring his future apprentices through the ranks.

“Calum’s success exemplifies the exceptional talent and dedication of our students, as well as the supportive learning environment we strive to create at Bournemouth and Poole College.”

Calum, from Canford Heath in Poole, embarked on his apprenticeship with a clear goal to excel in electrical installation by working hard and keeping one step ahead of assignment deadlines.

He said: “I’m delighted to have completed my apprenticeship ahead of schedule and have achieved the absolute best grade possible.

“The support and guidance from my lecturers at Bournemouth and Poole College, together with my hands-on experience I gained during my work placements, has been invaluable.

“I’m excited to progress my career in electrical installation and to share my new-found knowledge and skills with the industry.”

Sixty new students will start the Electrical Installation Apprenticeship Level 3 this September and work towards having the skills to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial, and residential environments.

The college has an extensive database of employers supporting the Electrical Installation Apprenticeship including BCP Council, Sovereign Housing Association, BF Keane, Morelec and T&K Electrical.

Employer partnerships enable its students to get hand-on experience during their studies.

Applications for the 2025 September intake will be open from January 2025.

• www.thecollege.co.uk/college.