Inverness electrician Katie Munro crowned SJIB Apprentice of the Year 2026

  Posted by: electime      20th October 2026

Catherine Gillon, Mike-Campbell RSE, winner Katie Munro, Graham-Clifton, and Jock Simpson

A talented young electrician from the Highlands has been recognised for her outstanding skill, dedication and professionalism after being named Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2026.

Katie Munro, from Inverness, took home this year’s top title, which is presented in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical, after impressing judges with her exceptional technical ability, commitment to excellence and determination to succeed throughout her apprenticeship.

The 25-year-old, who works for SELECT member firm Ross-Shire Engineering (RSE) Ltd, received her trophy from SJIB Chair Jock Simpson at a ceremony held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 14 October, where guests gathered to celebrate the next generation of Scotland’s electrical talent.

Katie was also presented with a £1,000 voucher as part of her prize, recognising her achievement in a highly competitive field of finalists.

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.”

Mike Campbell, Apprentice Programme Manager at RSE Ltd, said Katie’s achievement came as no surprise to those who had worked alongside her. He said: “Everyone at RSE is incredibly proud of Katie and all that she has achieved throughout her apprenticeship.

“She brings a fantastic attitude to everything she does, works hard in both practical and academic settings and has shown a real commitment to becoming a highly skilled electrician.”

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 SELECT member firm McDonald & Munro Ltd and studied at Moray College UHI under Training Officers Mike Bruce and Craig Wallace, while Lewis works for SELECT member 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, whose continued support helps recognise and celebrate the industry’s most promising apprentices.

Derek Allan of Edmundson Electrical, said: “Katie, Joe and Lewis have all demonstrated the high level of talent, commitment and professionalism that exists within Scotland’s electrical apprenticeship programme, and they should be extremely proud of their achievements.

“Katie’s success is particularly impressive and reflects the dedication she has shown throughout her apprenticeship. The standard of this year’s competition has once again been exceptional, which underlines the strength of the industry’s future workforce.

“At Edmundson Electrical, we are proud to continue supporting the SJIB Apprentice of the Year Awards and helping to recognise the next generation of skilled electricians who will play such an important role in Scotland’s economy and net zero ambitions.”