An Inverness electrician has been named Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2026 in recognition of her technical skills, professionalism and commitment to the electrical industry.

Katie Munro, 25, who works for SELECT member firm Ross-Shire Engineering (RSE) Ltd, won the top award after impressing judges throughout her apprenticeship. The award, presented in conjunction with Edmundson Electrical, celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s most promising electrical apprentices.

Katie received her trophy from SJIB Chair Jock Simpson at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Wednesday 14 October. She was also presented with a £1,000 voucher in recognition of her achievement in a highly competitive field.

A key highlight of Katie's apprenticeship was achieving a score of 98.33% in her Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA).

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.

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"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 at Inverness College UHI, supported by SECTT Training Officers Michael Campbell and Iain Lamont.

Reflecting on her success, 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."

The awards also recognised two other finalists: Joe Boddie, 22, from Fochabers, and Lewis Hainey, 21, from Auchterarder.

Joe works for SELECT member firm McDonald & Munro Ltd and studied at Moray College UHI under Training Officers Mike Bruce and Craig Wallace.

Lewis works for SELECT member FES Ltd and trained at Forth Valley College’s Alloa campus under Training Officer Ryan Slessor.

All three finalists received gift vouchers from Edmundson Electrical, whose continued support helps recognise the achievements of apprentices and celebrate the next generation of talent in Scotland's electrical industry.