Apprentice plumber proud to win prize at national competition

Chichester College student Ewan McGregor has taken second place in a national apprentice competition.
HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year, from left, Joseph Valente, winner of BBC Ones The Apprentice, Ewan McGregor, head judge Tony Kite and Chichester College lecturer Nigel KingHIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year, from left, Joseph Valente, winner of BBC Ones The Apprentice, Ewan McGregor, head judge Tony Kite and Chichester College lecturer Nigel King
HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year, from left, Joseph Valente, winner of BBC Ones The Apprentice, Ewan McGregor, head judge Tony Kite and Chichester College lecturer Nigel King

Ewan, 20, from Birdham, came second at this year’s HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year competition.

He was given 15 hours over two days to install and hang a boiler, as well as connect it to two radiators, following a specific plan.

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Ewan said: “I’m very pleased with the result and quite proud when I look back – not just at the result, but at the finished project.

“When I saw the plan, I didn’t think I’d be able to do it in the time, as it was a big jump from what we did at the regional competition. They definitely challenged us.

“There was a lot of work involved and it was really tough. By the end of it my back hurt, my knees hurt and I was exhausted.

“But I’m really proud to have done it and to have come second, especially when I found out that I was one of only two level two plumbing apprentices competing – the others were all level three with a lot more experience behind them.”

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Ewan is working at Clarkes Services while completing an apprenticeship in plumbing.

Plumbing lecturer Nigel King said: “The standard of work was exceptional from everyone. It was commented at the competition that this year’s finalists were of the highest standard since the HIP competition started.

“I thought Ewan did really well. He produced top quality work – especially for a level two student without the experience of some of his other competitors.”

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