One of Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training’s (HCT) Level 3 plumbing apprentices has been awarded a prestigious gold medal at the 2016 SkillPLUMB UK final held last week at the NEC in Birmingham.

Gareth Jones was one of eight finalists to make it through the regional heats and is now going through as a UK representative to further European and worldwide competitions.

To win the championship, Mr Jones had to undertake a three-day practical task at the NEC in Birmingham before he was announced UK’s Champion Plumber on the Saturday. The Skills Show hosts over 60 WorldSkills UK national competitions across a range of occupations. Contestants in the plumbing final had to install a small sealed central heating system with expansion vessel and ancillary equipment, including bespoke radiators, a simulated hot water cylinder, motorized zone values and associated copper pipework. Mr Jones is employed by local plumber Dai Lewis and attends training at HCT one day a week.

“Mr Jones is fully deserving of his gold medal and has shown what a dedicated and skilled professional he is,” said Mark Gleeson, head of the technology faculty at HCT.

“He has been fully supported by his employer Dai Lewis from and his plumbing tutors. Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training is very proud to have one of the top plumbing apprentices in the UK as one of its learners and all staff are delighted for him.”