Perth apprentices scoop top national plumbing competition
This year’s SNIPEF/SkillPLUMB Apprentice Competition took place on Friday 21 June at West College Scotland. The action packed competition is held between 18 plumbing colleges in Scotland and Perth College UHI were lucky enough to have two fantastic students competing.
The competition showcases the skills of plumbing apprentices from colleges and training centres across Scotland. Up to 36 participants competed in either the copper pipework competition or the lead work competition with four hours to complete a practical task that demonstrates their knowledge, technique and skill. Their completed work was assessed and marked by a panel of technical experts.
Competing in the lead competition was third-year apprentice, 20 year old Shaun McTavish of Perth College UHI – who is employed by McDonald & Buist Ltd based in Scone, Perth. Lead competitors were assessed on the work they produced and the lead model they presented for marking.
Following the competition, Shaun said,
“I feel like I did really well and I enjoyed the whole competition experience; it was good to work under pressure like that. I found it a great experience competing and meeting lots of different people. I am really chuffed that I won.”
Competing in the copper competition was third year apprentice, 20 year old Kyle McGeoghie of Perth College UHI – who is employed by William Combe & Son Ltd based in Auchterarder. Kyle was only able to use tools that are used in his normal everyday work – with the exception that he could only use hand benders for the copper pipework.
Kyle said,
“I’m really happy to have won this year, it was a really tough competition and to end up in first place after coming second last year feels really great. I’m hoping I have done enough to have qualified for the UK final in Birmingham in November, but I will have to wait and see.”
Gordon Nisbet, Plumbing and Gas Lecturer at Perth College UHI was thrilled with the results.
“We are very proud of the way Kyle and Shaun conducted themselves during the competition. The work they produced was to a very high standard and they both were worthy winners. They’re very good ambassadors for Perth College UHI and their respective employers.”
Fiona Hodgson, SNIPEF CEO said,
“Our apprentices have demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of skills at this year’s SkillPLUMB competition, and we are honoured to showcase the high quality of apprentice training in Scotland. The apprentices’ skills are a credit to the lecturers who teach them so well, the employers who take them under their wing, and most importantly to themselves for showing such determination to become the best they can be at their chosen trade.”
