Plumbing apprentices take part in National Plumbing Skills Competition

(05/07/2007)

Launched over 25 years ago to encourage the involvement and training of apprentices throughout the UK in the skills of pipework and sheet leadwork, the 2007 BPEC Plumbing Skills Competition is organised by BPEC with the main sponsor being the UK Copper Board, who supplies the pipes and fittings for the competition as well as financial support.

The UK Copper Board is part of a European campaign which aims to promote the benefits of copper plumbing and heating systems to the construction industry. The Board works in close association with tube and fittings manufacturers throughout the UK and Europe and is supported by the International Copper Association and European Copper Institute.

Talented plumbing apprentices from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are awaiting the finals of a UK-wide competition which showcases their specialist talents.

As part of BPEC’s National Plumbing Skills Competition, its plumbing apprentices have been taking part in seven regional heats the length and breadth of the country in anticipation of the national final which is to be held in November.

Winners from the regions are as follows:
Region - Pipe work winner - Sheet lead winner
West Midlands - Thomas Hurst - Andrew Holt
East Midlands - John Cabraca - Aaron Mapley
Yorkshire - Chris Bosomworth - Ben Bolton
North West - Duane Stott - Sam Chadwick
North East - Adam Bainbridge - Christopher Lonsdale
South East - Ryan Naylor - Michael Mason

BPEC’s National Plumbing Skills Competition tests apprentices on their skills at working with either pipe work or sheet lead. Each discipline has an assigned task, which the apprentices are required to complete in a given time period. The final result is measured on accuracy, level of completion and overall appearance.

BPEC Plumbing Skills Competition has increased the number of competitors three fold over the last five years with excellent skills being shown by the apprentices. The finalists work extremely hard to reach the national competition, gaining invaluable experiences in working under pressure and to tight specifications.

Paul Johnson, BPEC Chief Executive, said: “The heats of our annual National Plumbing Skills Competition have demonstrated the sheer talent and skill of plumbing apprentices throughout the UK. I would like to thank all of the apprentices who took part and congratulate the winners of the regional heats who we will see in November for the National Finals. Winners of the seven regional heats have received certificates and a £150 cheque. In addition all competitors will receive a certificate and a selection of products donated by Monument Tools.”

Jack Wishart, BPEC Chairman, commented: “We’re seeing some outstanding skills being demonstrated by the competitors at the regional heats and can see that there’s going to be some tough competition at the National Final in November.”

Related categories:  Training 

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