Our next Open Event is on Thursday 15 May.
Our next Open Event is on Thursday 15 May.
Congratulations to Nescot Plumbing and Heating apprentice Andrew Ritson, for earning the South East Regional winner title at the prestigious HIP Learner of the Year 2025 competition. hosted at Aldershot Construction College yesterday (04.02.25).
Andrew Ritson and Jason Ross who are both completing their Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician apprenticeship at Nescot competed in the South East regional competition.
Andrew said, “I feel great that I've won the South East regionals. I was runner-up last year and I was looking forward to taking part once again. The whole competition was a fantastic experience overall, from start to finish. It’s great meeting like-minded learners, interacting with them, seeing the different ways they work, making connections and learning something new.”
Dan Richards, Plumbing Curriculum Manager at Nescot commented, “The Plumbing team are delighted that we had two of our apprentices, Andrew and Jason taking part in the competition this year. We are extremely proud of their achievements. Well-done to Andrew, his win is a testament to his hard work and hours of practice. The task was industry relevant and a fabulous opportunity for Andrew to showcase the practical skills he’s gained from his course and employment too. We wish him all the best for the next stage of the competition, the grand final!”
Andrew added, “The college has been very supportive with helping us prepare for the competition. Our tutor Dan, has been very helpful with giving us the guidance we need. The regionals have been a great learning experience and I’ve picked up a few things I plan to work on before I head to the finals. I can’t wait to do it again!”
Celebrating its sixteenth year, the HIP Learner of the Year competition provides a fantastic platform for apprentice and student plumbers to showcase their skills, gain confidence and win fantastic prizes to support them at the very start of their careers.
During January and February, HIP travel to six regions across the UK in search of the best upcoming industry talent. In each location, Level 2 and 3 plumbing and heating learners from colleges nationwide compete in a live practical installation designed by the CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering) and judged by Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at the CIPHE. Each of the six regional winners and the overall highest scoring runner-up will go on to compete in the HIP Learner of the Year Grand Final in March. For information on the competition visit their website here.
For information on our Construction apprenticeships and full-time courses visit our website.