Three of Scotland’s brightest and most promising apprentice plumbers have proven that the future of the profession is in safe hands by winning the prestigious title of Scottish Plumber’s Apprentice of the Year at Glasgow Clyde College.
Finlay John Macaulay of Alpah and Moray College UHI (University of Highlands and Islands) took first place in the copper category of the competition after his impressive demonstration of his technical skills. Paul Marshall of James Frew Ltd and West College Scotland and Callum Westwood of Park Plumbing and Heating and Perth College UHI took second and third place respectively.
Finlay Calder emerged victorious in the new Renewable Energy category, introduced in the competition for the first time this year. Calder, who represents R&I Cruden Limited and Inverness College UHI, stands out from his peers for his in-depth understanding of renewable energy technologies. Thomas Pender from Solway Heating Services Ltd and Glasgow Kelvin College and Tommy Smith from Moray Council and Moray College UHI took second and third place respectively.
In the Lead category, Moray Council and Moray College UHI’s Shaun Wilcox demonstrated exceptional precision and dedication to secure the top spot. Runners-up were Marion Lisa Stewart from G&A Barnie Group Ltd and Moray College UHI and Ryan McCrone from Cruden Building (Scotland) Ltd and Glasgow Clyde College.
Fiona Hodgson, Managing Director of SNIPEF, praised the trainees, saying: “The participants have clearly shown why they were chosen to represent their universities and all have demonstrated a wealth of technical skills, knowledge, commitment and enthusiasm throughout the competition asked.” They are the cream of the crop of our next generation of plumbing and heating professionals, and I commend them all.
“Their winning competition coincides with the fact that SNIPEF has just received Scottish Government funding for 400 new apprenticeships in plumbing and heating. This helps our profession deliver on Scotland’s goal of transitioning to a low-carbon society.”
Christopher Paxton, Regional Director of City Plumbing, principal sponsor of the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year award, said: “This year’s competition has highlighted the exceptional talent and tenacity of our industry’s emerging professionals.
“Our support of this competition in 2023 underscores our belief in the transformative power of apprenticeship and our commitment to driving growth and sustainability in the industry. We are delighted to continue investing in the future of our industry and cannot wait to see how these promising apprentices will help create a greener and more efficient Scotland.”
One of the most notable highlights of this year’s competition was the exceptional performance of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) trainees, who won a record-breaking six of the nine grand prizes.
Dale Thomson, SNIPEF Training Manager, commented on their success: “We are incredibly proud of the success of our trainees at UHI.
“Your achievements underscore the exceptional quality of education and training at the university, which in turn reflects the excellent future prospects of our profession. Her performance is not only a testament to her skills, but also shows the impact of dedicated and quality education in plumbing and heating in our country.”
Mr Thomson added: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to every trainee at UHI. Their achievements are a beacon of excellence and a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and a rigorous education system. This achievement is commendable testament to the future of the Scottish plumbing and heating profession.”
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https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/apprentices-excel-at-scottish-plumbing-apprentice-of-the-year-competition
