Apprentice Will eyes top UK skills competition final
18-year-old Connexus apprentice Will Turner has his sights set on the UK finals of a top plumbing skills competition, after qualifying for heats which will see him test his skills against 15 other competitors.
Will, who was named Electrical, Plumbing and Heating Student of the Year 2024 in his category at Shrewsbury College, will compete in qualifiers later this week to reach the finals of SkillPLUMB, one of the plumbing industry’s annual skills competitions designed to promote excellence. Should he place in the heats, he will join other finalists from across the country to compete for the UK crown, with a trip to Las Vegas for the world competition in 2028 to look forward to for the most skilled finalists.
Will joined rural housing association Connexus in September 2024 as a plumbing and heating apprentice, becoming one of fifteen other apprentices in the housing association’s biggest ever intake.
Will Turner said: “I’m really grateful for the support I’ve had from my team and college. I’ve learned so much already, and it’s great to be acknowledged for doing something I enjoy.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing nationally and showing the judges in the competition what I can do.”
Billy Griffiths, Will’s mentor and a Connexus heating engineer, said: “Will is a great asset to Connexus, he’s always eager to help and learn.
“His attitude and enthusiasm make him a pleasure to work with. He’s achieved so much by winning at Shrewsbury College. I wish him lots of luck in the national heats of the competition.”