06.05.2022
Wilo UK were proud to sponsor the HIP Learner of the Year 2022 competition and support young people once again as they start their careers in the industry.
Ruben Duggan from Coleg Y Cymoedd's Ystrad Mynach Campus won this year’s HIP Learner of the Year award, beating five other regional finalists after completing a live 12-hour practical test, carried out across 2 days, at the Worcester Bosch Headquarters in Worcester.
Ruben comments: "It was a big surprise! I found the competition really challenging, it wasn’t easy. It’s such a big thing to put on your CV!"
This year’s five other finalists included Charlie Oliver from Shrewsbury College, Jack Payne from Buckinghamshire College Group's Wycombe Campus, Andrew Poland from St Helens College, Elliot Julian from Cornwall College and Kai Alexander-Weir from Darlington College.
This year’s competition was judged by Head Judge Jerry Whiteley from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), Glenn Scholfield from Pegler, Gareth Harris from WaterSafe and Garry Albutt from Worcester Bosch.
Head Judge Jerry Whiteley said: "It’s a fantastic event. It’s an event that brings everyone together, we have a fantastic time, and it’s all about the learners and the achievements that they get. From the beginning in the heats everyone gets something out of it, a learning process as a minimum.”
“The competition highlights tomorrow’s plumbers, the youth of today coming into the industry, and companies need to be a part of keeping that industry moving forwards."
Thousands of pounds worth of prizes were given to the competitors of this year's competition, with every competitor receiving tools, branded merchandise and a certificate for taking part.
Lee Tebbatt, Managing Director of Wilo UK, comments: “Sponsoring the HIP Learner of the Year competition is a great opportunity for the next generation within our industry and we were glad to sponsor the event once again. Here at Wilo UK, we understand how important young people are to the future of our industry and it was great to see such amazing talent at this year’s competition.”
For more information and details on how to enter next year’s HIP Learner of the Year competition, head to www.hip-magazine.co.uk/events.
