Talented apprentices come top in final of prestigious national skills competition

15 October 2010 – Three highly talented young apprentices gained the top three places in the final of the national SkillPIPE competition, held at Leeds College of Building during September 2010. The top three places went to: First: Ross Fraser, who comes from Glasgow and is employed by N G Bailey at their Strathclyde location and trained by Bailey Engineering Academy. Second: Matthew Moore, who comes from Southampton and is employed by Shaftesbury, Dorset based, Wessex Building Services and trained by Southampton City College and BEST. Third: Greg Clark, who comes from Billericay and is employed by SES at their York location and trained by Leeds College of Building. Just to reach the finals Ross, Matthew and Greg had already taken part in eliminating rounds competing against dozens of other young apprentices. In the final round six competitors tackled complex, practical pipefitting tests over three days. The competition, sponsored by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA), was introduced to promote standards and skills across the commercial heating pipe-fitting industry. SkillPIPE is one of four related annual competitions – SkillELECTRIC, SkillFRIDGE and SkillPLUMB – and gives colleges and individuals an opportunity to participate in a national initiative to find the industry’s best apprentices in the UK. Competitors undertake a series of practical tests based on real-life work, which demonstrate their abilities and highlight their outstanding skills. Bob Shelley, President Elect of the HVCA and Managing Director of Sharpe and Howse, presented the awards, along with the college principal Ian Billiyard. Bob Shelley comments, “I was very impressed with the high level of skills demonstrated by all six finalists and also by their professionalism and maturity throughout the three day competition. “They will all gain national recognition for their exceptional skills and achievements at the same time enhancing the business reputation of their employers. “The HVCA are proud to have had four members companies amongst the six finalists including the winner, second and third places”. Ends