SCOTLAND’S top apprentices have been crowned at the 51st Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year awards.
Held at West College Scotland in Paisley, the competition brought together 27 of Scotland’s most skilled plumbing and heating apprentices to compete across three technical disciplines – copper, leadwork, and renewable technologies.
Anne Campbell, principal and chief executive of West College Scotland, said, “It was a real honour for West College Scotland to be selected to host this year’s Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition. We are proud to play a leading role in developing apprentices and were delighted to welcome competitors, partners and the team at SNIPEF to our campus for this exciting and inspiring event.”
Organised by the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF), SPAY provides a platform for apprentices to demonstrate their technical ability while highlighting the value of vocational training and career opportunities within the profession.
The competition comes at a time when apprenticeship pathways are facing increasing pressures and the industry continues to tackle skills shortages.
The copper category again served as the Scottish qualifying heat for the UK-wide SkillPLUMB competition, delivered in partnership with BPEC and linked to the WorldSkills UK framework.
Kai Gray of Cowie Plumbing and Heating and UHI Moray secured first place in the copper category, with James Rankin of Eric Hyslop Ltd and Dumfries and Galloway College finishing second and Chris Ripley of BPS Group and Glasgow Clyde College taking third.
Kai said, “It feels great to be honest with you! Last year I came second, so to come first this time round is fantastic. I think I had a good chance this year, but it still comes as a nice surprise by winning. I’d like to thank my lecturer Jim and all the boys at work, especially Connor Cruden who won this competition before and went through to the Worlds. They have all definitely helped a lot.
“I would 100% encourage other people to get involved in plumbing and heating – taking part in competitions like this are a real highlight and you can make friends for life.”
The leadwork category was won by Sweyn Macaskill of Moray Council and UHI Moray. Logan Fawkes of Dumfries and Galloway College secured second place, while Ross Dingwall of ID Plumbing and Heating and Glasgow Clyde College finished third.
Sweyn said, “It feels really good to win – I’ve put in a lot of effort practicing for this event, so to win feels incredibly rewarding. To win awards and recognition like this definitely makes you feel like you’ve chosen the right path. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and kept pushing me forward over the years. It’s definitely a great career to get involved in – by getting your apprenticeship you’ve got a career for life in front of you.”
Now in its fourth year, the Renewable Technologies category continues to reflect the changing demands of the profession and Scotland’s transition towards low-carbon heating technologies. Blake Lockhart of HF Mechanical and Electrical Ltd and South Lanarkshire College claimed first place. Calum Wylie of Orbis Services Ltd and UHI Inverness finished second, while Aiden Docherty of HF Electrical Ltd and South Lanarkshire College secured third place.
Blake said, “I’m buzzing! Didn’t expect it at all. It was a great day out, mixing with everybody and having the chance to showcase my skills. I did think I had a good chance, but I’ve got to keep myself humble. I’d like to thank South Lanarkshire College for giving me the opportunity and my company HF have been so supportive in helping me develop my skills.”
Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, praised the standard of competition and the contribution apprenticeships continue to make to the profession. She said, “As we celebrate the 51st Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition, it is fantastic to see the calibre of talent coming through our industry. The skill, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by every finalist reflects the bright future of the plumbing and heating profession.
“Competitions like SPAY showcase the value of apprenticeship training and the crucial role played by employers, colleges and training providers in developing the next generation of skilled professionals. In a safety-critical profession such as plumbing and heating, apprenticeships create lifelong careers while delivering the skills needed to support Scotland’s homes, businesses and infrastructure.
“It is therefore vital that apprenticeship pathways continue to be protected, supported and remain affordable for employers, ensuring more young people have the opportunity to enter and thrive within our profession.”
