Katie Munro, who is from Inverness, took home the top title for this year, which is presented in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical.

Munro, who is 25, works for SELECT member firm Ross-Shire Engineering (RSE) Ltd, and received her trophy from SJIB chair Jock Simpson on 14 October at a ceremony held in Edinburgh.

Munro was also given a £1,000 voucher as part of her prize, in recognition of her achievement in a 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.”

Under the guidance of SECTT training officers Michael Campbell and Iain Lamont, Munro completed her apprenticeship with Inverness College UHI.

Munro said: “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 Munro’s achievement came as no surprise to those who had worked alongside her. 

Campbell 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.”

The 2026 competition also saw Joe Boddie, 22, from Fochabers, and 21-year-old Lewis Hainey, from Auchterarder, selected as finalists.

Boddie works for SELECT member firm McDonald & Munro Ltd and studied at Moray College UHI under training Officers Mike Bruce and Craig Wallace, while Hainey 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. 

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.”