Developed by electrical contractor Karl O’Hare. Sparks offers Irish apprentices offline exam practice, regulation references and a practical technical toolbox, with plans to digitise everyday site paperwork.
After 30 years in the electrical trade, contractor Karl O’Hare understands the challenges facing apprentices working towards qualification. Having repeatedly heard apprentices complain about the time spent searching through worn college notes and lengthy regulation manuals, he decided to develop a digital solution.
Karl runs a small electrical contracting business based near Newry, with five qualified electricians and four apprentices working across the Dublin area. He believes modern electrical installations have become increasingly complex, with apprenticeship coursework reflecting those developments.
That experience led to Sparks, a mobile application designed specifically for Irish electrical apprentices.
Developed with Niall Fay, who helped shape the concept, and French software developer Léonard Cherouvrier, who built the software, the app aims to make exam preparation more accessible and efficient.
Exam preparation made simpler
Sparks provides exam-style practice questions covering the phases and modules of the Irish electrical apprenticeship curriculum. Each answer includes a detailed explanation and the relevant regulation clause number, helping users understand the reasoning behind answers while learning how to navigate the official rulebook.
A dedicated search function allows apprentices to find questions on specific topics, while randomised, timed mock exams help users assess their readiness under realistic examination conditions.
Importantly, the app works entirely offline once downloaded, allowing apprentices to study at home or on site without relying on mobile reception or Wi-Fi.
A toolbox for electrical professionals
Sparks extends beyond exam revision, incorporating a technical toolbox for apprentices, qualified electricians and site supervisors.
Features include cable sizing, voltage drop and earth loop impedance calculations, an Ohm’s law wheel, three-phase power, power factor correction and AC impedance. Resources also cover safe isolation and lockout/tagout, testing sequences and SWA cable glands.
Reference materials include formula tables, cable colour codes and toolbox talks, bringing a range of useful technical resources together in one application.
Users must still verify calculations and guidance against current regulations and applicable safe working procedures.
Digitalising site paperwork
The development team is also planning to expand Sparks into site administration, with the aim of reducing reliance on paper-based processes.
Proposed additions include Safe Plans of Action (SPAs), work permits, toolbox talks, risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), and electrical test sheets.
If introduced, these features could help contractors manage routine documentation more efficiently, supporting electricians as they move from apprenticeship training into full-time trade work.
These paperwork functions remain part of the future development plans.
Supporting the next generation
Sparks is now available, and its creators are welcoming feedback from apprentices and electrical professionals.
For Karl, the objective is straightforward: save valuable time, reduce the stress associated with exam preparation and help streamline everyday tasks across the electrical industry.
By combining apprenticeship revision with practical technical resources, Sparks aims to provide a useful digital companion for Ireland’s current and future electricians.
