The six finalists have been announced for the brand-new HIP Female Skills Competition, who will now go forward to compete in the Final at Loughborough College on 30th March.
According to the Office of National Statistics, as little as 1% of the UK construction industry are currently female. That represents only a 0.7% increase during the last decade. HIP, the organisers of the HIP Learner of the Year competition, launched its first ever Female Skills Competition this year with the goal to build confidence and advocate skills development along with getting the very best people into the industry regardless of gender.
Level 2 and 3 plumbing students of all ages, from colleges nationwide, took part in a live practical installation for the chance to win a place in the grand Final.
The competitors were judged on a number of practical tasks by competition Head Judge Jerry Whiteley from CIPHE, Glenn Scholfield from Aalberts IPS (formerly, Pegler Yorkshire), and professional plumber, Becky Bates.
After much deliberation, the following six regional winners, have been announced as this year’s HIP Female Skills Competition Finalists:
Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at HIP said, “Congratulations to all six finalists and to everyone who competed in this brand-new competition. It is an incredible achievement to be representing your colleges and we’re thrilled to see the competition being supported by so many big names from the industry. Now more than ever is the time to support the next generation of plumbing talent.”
The competition has been sponsored by many big industry names, including Grohe, Viessmann, Aalberts IPS, Grundfos, Kingspan, Wolseley Plumb Parts, Talon, Stelrad, Scruffs, Yorkshire Copper Tube, CIPHE and WD-40.
Chris Penney, Leader GIVE Program LIXIL EMENA, at Grohe said, "The standard of work has been very high today. We want to encourage more women into the plumbing industry, and set new industry standards with our products and also with the people that install them. It's important that we bridge that gender gap."
For more information about the competition, click HERE
Get involved on social media – search for HIP Magazine and use the hashtag #HIPFSC23.