West College Scotland hosts nation-wide Plumbing skills competition

Last Friday 15 June, a total of 30 participants from colleges and training centres across Scotland gathered to compete the 44^th Annual SNIPEF SkillPLUMB competition. The event, hosted by West College Scotland at their Paisley Campus, also welcomed over 200 professionals from the Plumbing industry who came to support workforce development and gain insight into the latest trade developments.

Andrew Fogarty, Head of Energy and Engineering at West College Scotland, said: “We were very honoured to be hosting the 2018 SNIPEF SkillPLUMB competition. It showcased the very best in young talent within a thriving and dynamic industry. We are very proud of our partnership with SNIPEF and are delighted to deliver plumbing apprenticeships in all three of our major campuses.”

The candidates taking part in the competition undertook practical exercises in copper pipework and lead work that were assessed and marked by a panel of technical experts. Apprentices from Tullos Training in Aberdeen who both work for Aberdeenshire firm Derek Scott Plumbing and Heating took home the top awards: Samuel Henderson in the lead competition and James McCall Smith in the copper competition.

Second prize in lead went to John Taylor who attends Glasgow Clyde College and who works for Evolve Plumbing Services Ltd and third prize went to Cameron Stewart of Moray College who works for DD Plumbing Services. In the copper competition, second prize went to Kyle McGeoghie of Perth College, who works for William Combe & Son Ltd and third prize went to Alexander Clouston of Inverness College, who works for Pipedream Plumbing Ltd.

The prizes were presented by Jamie Hepburn, MSP, Minister for Employability and Training and SNIPEF Past President Gerry Woods. In his Guest Address Mr Hepburn said:  “[Scotland’s young people] are offered a fruitful and rewarding experience through apprenticeships and I need you to go out and tell others what a great opportunity an apprenticeship can be.”

Fiona Hodgson, SNIPEF CEO said: “It is inspiring and reassuring to see the exceptionally high standard of skills the apprentices have demonstrated, our industry is in safe hands. They are a credit to the employers who take them on, the lecturers who teach them so well, and most importantly they are a credit to themselves in showing such dedication and determination to become the best they can be at their chosen trade.”

The winner of the copper competition may go on to represent Scotland at SkillBUILD UK in Birmingham in November where the highest scoring winners from the heats will compete in the UK final.