Local Student Qualifies For National Apprentice Competition

A local student from Rotherham College has qualified for a prestigious national apprentice competition.

Ryan King is a second year plumbing student who is currently working to complete his City and Guilds vocational certificate. He was put forward for the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year by Curriculum Leader of Plumbing, Matthew Brown.

Ryan is keen to learn both the technical and practical aspects of the trade in order to pursue a career in the future, either with a large company via the apprenticeship scheme or with local trader, the main objective is to gain experience and find a placement in the industry.

Ryan will be taking part in one of six regional heats to be held next year, and will be up against apprentices from around the rest of the country competing for a place in the final to be held next April.

Ryan’s tutor, Matthew Brown, said: “As a department it is always encouraging to see students step into competitions like the HIP UK. If nothing else the experience is always a positive one and certainly a great addition to a C.V. The students have the full support of the college and their fellow students. This is my first competition as a tutor and I’m sure we will be looking to enter future events. Good Luck to all the participants!”

Apart from the accolade of being crowned UK Heating Apprentice of the Year, the winner is set to walk away with a prize worth £5,000 donated by the competition’s platinum sponsor Adey. The national competition is organised every year by HIP Magazine for level 2 or 3 students who are doing an apprenticeship. “Students get a lot out of the competition,” said Celia Matthews, competition organiser. “They make new friends, gain confidence in their abilities and enjoy the challenge of the competition.”

For further details please see www.hip-magazine.co.uk and www.rotherham.ac.uk