A young Inverness electrician has been announced as the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2026.
Katie Munro imprfessed judges with her technical ability, commitment to excellence, and determination to succeed throughout her apprenticeship.
The 25-year-old, who works for Ross-Shire Engineering (RSE) Ltd, received her trophy from SJIB chair Jock Simpson at a ceremony in Edinburgh, where guests celebrated the next generation of Scotland’s electrical talent. Katie was also presented with a £1,000 voucher as part of her prize.
Catherine Gillon, secretary of the SJIB and director of employment relations at electrical trade association SELECT, said, “Every year, the SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards showcase the exceptional talent being developed across Scotland’s electrical industry, and Katie is a truly deserving winner. Throughout her apprenticeship, she has demonstrated outstanding technical competence, professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement. Achieving a Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) score of 98.33% is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects the high standards she sets for herself in everything she does.
“As well as excelling in her training and workplace responsibilities, Katie has also been a fantastic ambassador for the profession, helping to promote careers in the electrical industry and encouraging greater participation from women considering a career in engineering and construction. Her success highlights the vital contribution apprentices make to our industry and to Scotland’s future workforce as we continue to build the skills needed to support economic growth and the transition to net zero.”
Katie completed her apprenticeship with Inverness College UHI under the guidance of SECTT training officers Michael Campbell and Iain Lamont. She said, “I am delighted to have won this award. Completing my apprenticeship has been very rewarding and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received along the way.
“It means a lot to be recognised by the SJIB, especially given the high standard of apprentices across the industry. I’d like to thank everyone at RSE, my lecturers at Inverness College UHI and my SECTT training officers for their encouragement and support throughout my apprenticeship. I hope my success encourages more women to consider a career in the electrical industry because it offers fantastic opportunities and a rewarding future.”
This year’s competition also saw Joe Boddie (22), from Fochabers, and 21-year-old Lewis Hainey, from Auchterarder, named as finalists. Joe works for McDonald & Munro Ltd and studied at Moray College UHI under training officers Mike Bruce and Craig Wallace, while Lewis works for FES Ltd and trained at Forth Valley College’s Alloa campus under training officer Ryan Slessor.
All three finalists were presented with gift vouchers by Edmundson Electrical.
