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In January 2023, Wolseley announced our partnership with HIP magazine, which included becoming the merchant sponsor HIP's annual Learner of the Year and Female Skills competitions, both of which are aimed at supporting the future of the industry.

The Learner of the Year competition ran throughout January and February with Level 2 and 3 plumbing students competing across six regional locations in England and Wales. The winners of each heat moved forward to compete in the grand final.

The final took place at Worcester Bosch’s HQ on 19 and 20 April, and saw all the finalists competing in a live practical installation for the chance to be crowned the winner. And Elliot Julian from Cornwall College, St Austell took the top spot with Louie Diver from Cambridge Regional College being named as runner up. 

Emma Conroy, Proposition Development Director, Wolseley Plumbing & Heating, said, “As a leading specialist merchant, Wolseley is committed to supporting new talent as they prepare to start a career in what is a changing industry. We’re really proud to be one of the sponsors of the Learner of the Year competition, which gives students and apprentices a great opportunity to showcase their skills and build their confidence. Elliot and Louie, and all the finalists, have really made the most of that opportunity, and the standard of the installations has been incredible. With young people like these joining the workforce, the future of the sector is in safe hands.”

The winning student and college also took home some fantastic prizes that were donated by the competition sponsors, including Wolseley Plumbing & Heating.