Entrepreneurs successfully trade places “Apprenticeship Style”

Staff and apprentices at Coleg y Cymoedd’s plumbing department are celebrating, as one of their own is crowned Wales’ top plumbing apprentice.

Scott Fuller, a second year plumbing apprentice studying at the college’s Ystrad Mynach campus, fended off rivals from across the country to become the Welsh representative at Heating Engineers Installers & Plumbers magazine’s Apprentice of the Year UK final.

The Welsh final saw Scott, 18, from New Tredegar, competing against apprentices from eight other colleges. During an intense four-hour contest each competitor tackled the challenge of installing a full shower system and boiler against the clock; Ultimately Scott’s technical skills and attention to detail earned him the title of Wales’ top plumbing apprentice.

Following his success at the event, held at Gower College Swansea, Scott will now go on to represent his country at the two-day UK finals, in Cheltenham on 30th April.

Speaking of his victory and the upcoming finals, Scott said: “It’s a great feeling to have been selected. The competition was tough, but I think my preparation and the support I’ve received from my tutors have paid off.

“The competition requires me to put in extra hours outside of my course, my work placements and a part-time job; but I think it’s worth it, I enjoy the work and I hope it will lead to me gaining the skills and experience I need to start my own business after college.”

As a Pathway to Apprenticeship Learner, Scott’s time is split between college based learning at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus, and on the job training with Newbridge plumbing firm, Aqua Gas.

Commenting on Scott’s success, Judith Evans, principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Scott is a credit to our college; he exemplifies how hard work and dedicated tuition provide learners with excellent vocational opportunities and real jobs in a diverse range of industries and recognised trades. We wish him every success at the nationals”.

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