LONDON: Plumbase congratulated Shane Trevitt, the winner of the WorldSkills London 2011 Plumbing and Heating contest, when he beat 24 other competitors from around the world.
Mr Trevitt was awarded the Gold Medal for scoring 559 points, while Stefan Eichinger of Austria and Florian Muller of Switzerland both received a Silver Medal for scoring 546. Eleven other competitors were presented with a Medallion for Excellence for scoring over 500 points.
With 150 000 visitors and 944 competitors representing 41 countries, Plumbase hailed WorldSkills London 2011 a huge success. Held over four days at ExCel in London, the aim of the event was to showcase the skills that are used in global enterprise and business, including plumbing and heating. Young people from around the world competed against each other in a series of challenges across a different disciplines, from landscape gardening and confectionery to robotics and aircraft maintenance.
In the plumbing and heating contest, there were 25 countries represented, bringing together competitors from as far afield as New Zealand and Korea. Their tasks included the installation of effluent and gas pipes and heating, hot/cold water appliances. Competitors also had to design and create a heated towel rail in the shape of Tower Bridge.
The majority of materials used in the plumbing and heating contest were supplied by Plumbase who were pleased to support this international event promoting the importance of skills in the workplace.
"We were proud to be involved in this prestigious event that highlights skills and training for young people," said Andy Gribble, Plumbase's managing director.
"John Hayes MP, the minister for education, gave a compelling speech about the importance of investing in our young people. Plumbase agrees that by helping them learn skills, young people have greater employment options and can fulfill their true potential.
"Even though these are challenging times for most businesses in the UK, the event demonstrated how many youngsters are best suited to learning a practical skill. Craftsmanship and high standards are as important as ever and will help us compete on the world stage.
"In our industry, there are new technical skills to be learned to capitalise on the next generation of sustainable energy products. It's vital to look to the future and invest in training, whatever your line of business. We're pleased to have been able to support the next generation of plumbers and heating engineers by getting involved in this inspiring event which only comes to the UK every twenty or so years," Mr Gribble stated.
