YOUNG plumbing and heating students and apprentices are being encouraged to enter a contest to showcase their skills.
The HIP Learner of the Year starts with regional heats in January and February, where level 2 and 3 students will be given a practical test.
The top performers will go on to a grand final in April.
The contest is sponsored by WaterSafe.
Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the HIP Learner of the Year competition as the apprentices always amaze us with their knowledge and skills.
“They have such pride in their work which is always a high standard, and I can’t wait to see how they get on in the contest – and the future.”
Last year’s winner Ruben Duggen, a 20-year-old apprentice from Coleg Y Cymoedd, Ystrad Mynach Campus, said: “You don’t know your strengths and weaknesses until they’re tested – the competition is a fantastic opportunity. It has helped build confidence in myself and confidence in my work.”
It’s the sixth time WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, has sponsored the skills competition and joined the judging panel for the regional heats and final.
Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at HIP, said: “The WaterSafe team are an excellent fit for us, and we’re pleased to have their continued support. WaterSafe only allows qualified plumbers to become members as they are trained to meet the strict regulations for installing pipes and fittings which supply drinking water.
“As usual, spaces in the competition are going fast, so I’d urge any interested students to speak to their lecturer about getting their applications in now.”
For further information, including regional heat dates and competition rules, visit hip-magazine.co.uk/learner-of-the-year. Only one student can be entered per college or campus and students must be aged 24 or under at the time of application.
The deadline for college lecturers to submit applications is November 30, 2022.
