Elgin apprentice named Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year for second year
AN ELGIN apprentice has been named Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year for the second year in succession.
Shaun Wilcox, a second-year plumbing and heating apprentice, was winner in the highly-competitive copper category, following his triumph in the lead category last year.
Shaun's latest achievement marks the first time an apprentice has won both competition categories in consecutive years.
The apprentice, who balances his studies at UHI Moraywith his work at Moray Council, outperformed 17 other category competitors to take the crown at South Lanarkshire College on June 7.
Two other UHI Moray apprentices were winners at the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition, which is now in its 39th year.
Shay Ewing, representing Andrew Barclay Plumbing and Heating, secured second place in the copper category.
Liam Marshall from McDonald and Munro took second place in the lead category.
Divided into three distinct categories: Copper, Lead, and Renewables, each is designed to challenge the apprentices’ skills and innovative practical capabilities.
Fiona Hodgson, competition organiser, began by congratulating Shaun on his consecutive victories.
She said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shaun for his outstanding achievement. His tireless efforts and dedication are truly commendable.
“Both Moray College UHI and Moray Council deserve high praise for their roles in nurturing such exceptional talent within our modern apprenticeship programme.
"Shaun’s triumph not only celebrates his individual skill but also underscores the critical importance of our apprenticeship in promoting excellence across the plumbing and heating profession.
“These future professionals are essential for advancing our profession and pivotal in supporting Scotland’s transition towards innovative, low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps, aligning with our national environmental ambitions.”
