Inverness College UHI apprentice secures place in National competition

An apprentice plumber studying at Inverness College UHI plunged his way to the top three of the annual Skillplumb contest recently, after finishing runner-up in the competition and securing his place in the National Final in Leeds.

Conor Cormack, 19 from Inverness, is currently an apprentice plumber with Firth Plumbing and Heating in Inverness and represented Inverness College UHI in the Skillplumb Competition. Taking on apprentice plumbers from 15 other Scottish Colleges, Connor was delighted to finish in the top two in the regional competition, which took place at Clydebank College.

His second place finish earned him a spot in September’s National Skillplumb final at Leeds College, however, Conor had no idea that he had finished so well, having had to dash away from the competition as soon as his project was complete.

Conor said: “We had to complete a leadwork model on the Saturday of the competition, but I had to play in a shinty match in Skye that afternoon! So as soon as I was finished I had to down tools and head for the match – without even knowing how well I’d done.

“I have to thank my plumbing lecturer Michael McCormick, however, without him I would never have made it. He drove me from the competition via Loch Lomond and Glencoe to Invergarry where one of my shinty team (Beauly) was waiting to take me to Skye.”

Michael McCormick, Plumbing Lecturer at Inverness College UHI, added: “We managed to get Conor there in time to play the last 20 minutes of his shinty match and I’m told by members of his team that his arrival made all the difference in them securing the victory – so it definitely made the driving worthwhile!

“To come second in a competition of this nature was an excellent achievement for Conor and everyone in the plumbing team at Inverness College UHI is very proud of his achievement.”

Conor’s success was the second consecutive placing for Firth Plumbing and Heating, after Conor’s fellow Firth apprentice, Liam Mutch from Strathpeffer won the lead prize at the same competition last year, reflecting the impressive standard of the specialist roofing squad at the firm.

For further information on all courses available at Inverness College UHI please call 01463 273000 or visit www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk.