New College Durham are proud to announce that one of our very own plumbing apprentices, Jackson Gill, has been awarded HIP Learner of the Year 2025!
For over a decade, the HIP Learner of the Year competition has played a crucial role in celebrating emerging talent in the heating and plumbing industry.
After a series of intense nationwide heats held earlier this year, the final, held on March 26th and 27th at Bostik Academy in Stafford, saw seven talented finalists go head-to-head in a rigorous two-day competition. The competition is designed to showcase the skills, dedication and passion of the UK’s top plumbing and heating students and apprentices.
Jackson (who was also recently awarded the Silver Medal in the World Skill National finals), said: “This is a fantastic result for me and my family because I became interested in plumbing thanks to my uncle who gave me my first start working with him.
I’m having a great experience here at New College Durham. The equipment is great, and the staff here are incredibly supportive. They’re experienced in the industry so can prepare you for what to expect in the working world. I’d certainly recommend coming here as part of an apprenticeship.”
Jackson added:” “I’d like to thank my tutor Jason Emmerson for his hard work, and I’d like to send a huge thank you to my employer CGE Plumbing & Heating Ltd and in particular the director Jamie Howe, without who’s support this wouldn’t have been possible”
Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at HIP, commented: “This year’s final has been a true showcase of hands-on talent and technical excellence. Each competitor demonstrated outstanding skill, precision, and professionalism under real-world conditions. The quality of work has been exceptional, setting a high benchmark for future competitions and showing just how bright the future of plumbing really is.”
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