A CEREDIGION plumbing apprentice has been awarded a prestigious gold medal at the 2016 SkillPLUMB UK final.

Gareth Jones, one of Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training’s Level 3 Plumbing Apprentices, was one of eight finalists to make it through the highly-contested regional heats and is now recognised as the UK’s champion plumber, going through as the UK’s representative to further European and Worldwide competitions.

To win the championship, Gareth had to undertake a three-day practical task at the NEC in Birmingham before he was announced UK’s Champion Plumber on the Saturday.

Contestants in the plumbing final had to install a small sealed central heating system with expansion vessel and ancillary equipment, including bespoke radiators, a simulated hot water cylinder, motorised zone values and associated copper pipework.

Gareth, who is from Tregaron, is employed by local plumber Dai Lewis.

“Gareth is fully deserving of his gold medal and has shown what a dedicated and skilled professional he is”, said Mark Gleeson, head of the technology faculty at HCT.

“He has been fully supported by his employer Dai Lewis and his plumbing tutors. Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training is very proud to have the top plumbing apprentice in the UK as one of its learners and all staff are delighted for Gareth.”

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