Worcester Bosch hosted the 2022 HIP Learner of the Year (LOTY) final at their head office on 20th and 21st April. The two-day event saw six regional winners meet to compete for the chance to be named the overall winner.
The competition has been designed to highlight the skills and talent of the young apprentices in the industry, with heating and plumbing students competing against one another throughout January and February to be named as one of the best young installers in the country.
Ruben Duggan, from Coleg Y Cymoedd’s Ystrad Mynach Campus emerged victorious after completing a live 12-hour practical test, carried out across two days, at the Worcester Bosch manufacturing plant in Worcester.
Commenting on his win, Ruben said: “It was a big surprise! I found the competition really challenging, it wasn’t easy. It’s such a big thing to put on your CV!”
Head Judge Jerry Whiteley, from the CIPHE, said: “The quality that we saw at the competition will inspire the industry and homeowners to know that we are putting forward the next generation of excellent professionals who will progress into their careers in the future.”
This year’s five other finalists were Charlie Oliver from Shrewsbury College, Jack Payne from Buckinghamshire College Group’s Wycombe Campus, Andrew Poland from St Helens College, Elliot Julian from Cornwall College and Kai Alexander-Weir from Darlington College.
Elliot Julian, named as the runner-up in the competition, said: “It’s good but it’s bittersweet, you’d love to be the winner but Ruben definitely deserved it and I’m happy with second place.”
Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, said: “It has been great hosting the 2022 Learner of the Year at Worcester Bosch HQ – it was a fantastic event. It was great to see so many talented people coming into this industry at this very exciting and fascinating time when we are now transitioning to net zero. Overall, it was a great day and congratulations to all who succeeded through the various rounds to the final.”
