University of the Highlands and Islands trainees win six of the top nine prizes
Three of Scotland’s brightest and most promising apprentice plumbers have proven by being awarded the prestigious title that the future of the profession is in safe hands Scottish Plumber’s Apprentice of the Year at Glasgow Clyde College.
Finlay John Macaulay from 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.
Finley Calder emerged as the winner in the new category “Renewable Energies”, which was presented for the first time in this year’s competition. 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 Shaun Wilcox from Moray Council and Moray College UHI showed exceptional precision and dedication and secured 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.
The managing director of SNIPEF, Fiona Hodgson, praised the trainees with the words:
“The entrants clearly demonstrated why they were chosen to represent their colleges and all have demonstrated a wealth of technical ability, knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm throughout the competition. 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, City Plumbing Regional Director:
Lead sponsor of the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year commented: “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.”
The University of Highlands and Islands triumphs in the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition.
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 as follows:
“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.”
Thomson added:
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to each and 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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