The duo excelled in the SkillPLUMB Scottish qualifying heat in June, part of the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Competition (SPAY 2024), where Shaun won the copper category and Shay took second place.

Their scores, ranking among the top eight contestants from all UK-wide heats, have earned them finalist positions at the prestigious SkillPLUMB UK finals, scheduled for November at Oldham College.

Stephanie Lowe, deputy chief executive of SNIPEF and organiser of SPAY 2024, said: “Shaun and Shay are outstanding representatives of the emerging talent in Scotland’s plumbing and heating profession. Their progression to the UK finals not only highlights their skills but also the quality of training provided by Scotland’s modern apprenticeship in plumbing and heating.

“We are confident that Shaun and Shay will excel at the UK finals, continuing to serve as exemplary ambassadors for our profession and inspiring future generations.”

The SkillPLUMB UK Finals are the centrepiece of the profession’s annual skills competition, where participants face rigorous practical tests, vying for the title of SkillPLUMB UK champion.

This year’s finalists will be challenged with a complex installation task involving central heating and hot/cold water systems. This will test their skills in integrating a boiler, an unvented hot water cylinder, associated pipework, and bespoke-designed copper radiators. Additionally, a new heat pump task developed with Ideal Heating will assess low-carbon technology skills, reflecting the profession’s push toward sustainable practices.

Winners of this year’s SkillPLUMB finals will secure a place to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Championships in Shanghai in 2026, where they will showcase their skills on an international stage.

The Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY 2024), organised by SNIPEF Training Services, is a college-based practical application competition that challenges apprentices to compete in two material categories; copper and lead. Backed by industry, academia and many high-profile plumbing and supply chain companies, the competition aims to develop the skills and abilities of those currently undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship in Scotland.