Gold for budding plumbers

TWO local apprentice plumbers have won gold medals in regional heats as part of the search to find the best young apprentice plumber in the UK.

Second year apprentice David Blewett, who works for Shetland Gas Supplies, won the gold medal in the North of England SkillPlumb heat, held at Leeds College of Building.

Meanwhile, third year apprentice Alasdair Scott won the gold medal at the SNIPEF SkillPlumb competition at Edinburgh College.

Scott is in the third year of his apprenticeship, which he started in Shetland with T. Rowley Plumbing and Heating Services before transferring to work for Dunster Biomass Heating, Forres.

Plumbing apprenticeships in Shetland are organised and coordinated through Train Shetland with block release attendance at Moray College UHI in Elgin.

Jim Mackinnon, curriculum leader for the SVQ in plumbing at Moray College UHI, was at both competitions and was delighted with the standard of work produced by both isles apprentices.

“These competitions have challenging practical and theory work and I think this is a fantastic achievement from two very motivated young men. Well done to Shetland,” he said.

Blewett and Scott are now waiting to see who will be selected for the UK SkillPlumb finals in Birmingham in November.