Competition is ‘heating’ up for Tameside College plumbing apprentice Sam

Sam Etchells, plumbing apprentice at Tameside College, is aiming for national success after impressing judges in a prestigious competition.

Sam came second in the HIP magazine apprentice of the year competition north west of England qualifiers, beating students from 11 other colleges ahead of the national finals in March 2019.

A former Audenshaw School student, Sam has progressed from a level one course to an apprenticeship and is now employed by High Efficiency Heating Ltd as a plumbing and heating engineer.

Sam said: “Before I started college I had never thought about being a plumber, but now I absolutely love it. The competition aspect of my apprenticeship is also really good because not only does it push me to be my best but it means if I’m successful I can use it to market myself. Hopefully, when I have finished my apprenticeship I can start my own business and just keep going from there.”

Ian Hall, plumbing and heating teacher at Tameside College, said: “Sam is one of our best plumbing apprentices and has done very well to get this far. He has practised and practised for this competition and worked very hard to get to where he is today, so he deserves to go into the finals. He has a bright future ahead of him within a very well paid industry.”

Sam will learn if he has qualified for the national finals at the end of February.

To find out more about apprenticeships and plumbing courses at Tameside College call 0161 908 6600.