Welsh plumbing apprentice turns the heat up on national rivals

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

Scott Fuller, a third year plumbing apprentice studying at Coleg y Cymoedd’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, 20, from New Tredegar, competing against apprentices from eleven other colleges. During an intense six-hour contest each competitor tackled the challenge of installing a shower, w/c, hand basin and saniflo (macerator) system 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 Bridgend College, Scott will now go on to represent his country at the two-day UK finals, in Cheltenham on 29th and 30th of April.

Speaking of his victory and the upcoming finals, Scott said: “It was fantastic to win the Welsh final last year, but for a second year running is amazing. I feel much more confident for the national finals this year as I know what to expect and the level of work that is required.

My tutors have been brilliant, they have continually built my confidence and improved my skills significantly over the last year, and even offered me an apprenticeship. The UK finals will be a challenge but I hope it will lead me to gaining further skills and experience I need to gain my full plumbing qualification.”

Scott’s Plumbing tutor Lee Perry said: “For Scott to win the regional event last year was an excellent achievement, but for him to win for a second year running shows Scott’s commitment, enthusiasm and determination to become an excellent engineer. Scott throughout the year has improved in all aspects of the trade.”

As a Level 3 student and apprentice, Scott’s time is split between college based learning at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach campus, and his apprenticeship with Perry Plumbing Solutions.

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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