In a tight contest, 20-year-old Jack Hall was just pipped for first place in the north east heat of the HIP! Magazine UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year award.

The competition was held in the college for the second year running (on 1st March), with the organisers praising the “fantastic” facilities at Redcar & Cleveland College.

Jack was among 11 apprentices from colleges around the north east taking part in a four-hour challenge that put their plumbing skills to the test, including installing a radiator.

Jack, who works for ALCO Plumbing, said: “The competition has been a really good experience and I feel more confident and motivated to do more.  

“Although I didn’t win I know I tried my hardest, and the highlight was finishing the task because it was very challenging. I really enjoy plumbing because when I have fixed something I know that I’ve done a good job.   

“Studying at Redcar & Cleveland College is great because the tutors are really good and the facilities are second to none.”

As well as hosting the plumbing competition, for the first time this year the college also staged the competition for the Sparks! Magazine Apprentice Electrician of the Year award.

The awards, sponsored by Plumbfix and Electrofix respectively, are a UK-wide competition which tests Level 2 and 3 Plumbing and Electrical NVQ apprentices on core practical elements of their course.

Head of Plumbing & Gas Division at Redcar & Cleveland College, Harry Teasdale, said: “The standard this year was excellent. Competitions like this are really good for boosting morale and it’s an experience the participants can benefit from in their future careers.  

“We’re obviously really pleased that this is the second year we hosted the plumbing event and the first for the electrician competition. The college has excellent facilities so this is a brilliant way of showcasing what we have to offer.”

Harry’s comments were echoed by Celia Matthews, organiser of the competition, who said: “The standard of apprentices in the north east is among the highest in the UK and this is matched by the quality of the venue, which is fantastic.”