A promising electrician from a SELECT Member company has been honoured for her "outstanding" ability, commitment and professionalism after being awarded the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year 2026.

Katie Munro of Ross-Shire Engineering (RSE) Ltd secured the top accolade following a rigorous judging process that commended her technical excellence, determination and consistently high standards throughout her apprenticeship.

The 25-year-old from Inverness received the trophy from SJIB Chair Jock Simpson at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Wednesday 14 October, where the sector gathered to celebrate Scotland's rising electrical talent.

Staged in partnership with Edmundson Electrical, the accolade also included a £1,000 voucher recognising Munro's success in a highly competitive final.

Catherine Gillon, Secretary of the SJIB and Director of Employment Relations at 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.

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"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."

Munro completed her apprenticeship through Inverness College UHI, initially supported by SECTT Training Officer Mike Campbell and later by 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, who is now Apprentice Programme Manager at RSE, said Munro's achievement came as no surprise to those who had worked alongside her.

The Inverness and North of Scotland Branch Chair 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 recognised finalists Joe Boddie, 22, from Fochabers, and 21-year-old Lewis Hainey, from Auchterarder. Boddie works for SELECT Member firm McDonald & Munro Ltd and studied at Moray College UHI with Training Officers Mike Bruce and Craig Wallace, while Hainey is employed by 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 in recognition of their achievements and potential.

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."