Student Showcases Plumbing Skills in Regional Magazine Competition
An apprentice on the Level 3 Plumbing course, Connor, recently showcased his skills in a respected national competition run by Heating and Plumbing Magazine.
Each year, lecturers nominate one student to represent their college and encouraged Connor to take part in the South-West’s regional heat. This year’s event was hosted by Weston College in Weston-Super-Mare and brought together around a dozen plumbing students from across the region.
The HIP Learner of the Year is a prestigious annual competition for plumbing and heating students and apprentices in England and Wales. Designed to showcase skills and build confidence in the industry, the competition features regional heats held in January and February, culminating in a national grand final where finalists compete for the title and various industry prizes.
Run by HIP Magazine, the event is widely regarded as a mjor fixture within the plumbing industry and is often sponsored by leading brands, keen to support the next generation of professionals.
Connor said: “It was really good fun and I really enjoyed it. I was one of about 10 or 12 students taking part. We were given a design of a boiler, pipework, a radiator and an electric shower and had to install the design. I didn’t win, but it was a great experience taking part.”
Connor’s lecturer, Rob Johnston, praised his progress and attitude: “Connor is a model student and selfless individual, who has come a long way with the college. He completed a Level 2 Plumbing full-time course, but before returning as an apprentice, he made a mature decision to work for a year first to gain experience.”
Rob continued: “Since he’s been back at the college as an apprentice, he has gone from strength to strength, showing resilience and adaptability to meet the range of work-based evidence required. He did himself proud at the competition and was extremely unlucky not to progress to the final. Connor is a credit to our college.”
Connor’s experience of the competition was hugely valuable, and he said that if he had the chance to do it again, he would. He encouraged fellow students to get involved, saying that he would ‘100 per cent recommend it’ and they should give it a shot.
Rob said that: “Out of all the competitors, both our apprentice and the other students taking part were of an excellent standard - just being a part of the competition alone helps students to raise their game. Connor still submitted a great effort despite not winning or being the runner-up this time.” When asked if Connor would do it again, he replied: “I really would, but you have to be an apprentice to take part, and I will be finishing this year!”
If you’re a Plumbing student interested in taking part in a future competition, please do just talk to your lecturers about being submitted. For more information on our Plumbing courses, see: https://www.thecollege.co.uk/college/study/subject-areas/construction-plumbing-and-electrical.
