Apprentice winner hails from Saffron Walden

TALENTED Saffron Walden apprentice Martyn Lee has proved himself one of the top trainee plumbers in the country – beating all comers in the regional SkillPlumb competition.

The Cambridge Regional College student, who is on an advanced apprenticeship with Walden firm Adrian Kidman Plumbing and Heating, won a tough competition designed to test his skills to the limit.

He could now go on to represent the college in the national finals of the prestigious SkillBuild competition – open to the highest-scoring regional competitors across the country.

CRC plumbing assessor Paul Harbinson said Martyn was an “outstanding” student.

“He is a very hard worker and a very talented plumber. I’m delighted he performed so well in a very tough competition,” he said.

Competitors had to specify, design and build part of a central heating system over the six hours of the competition.

Martyn’s boss, Adrian Kidman, who also started his career as an apprentice, said his win was well deserved.

“Martyn is a very good plumber. He does well at college and at work, and we’re very lucky to have him,” he said.

“Apprentices are the future of our trade and I think it is important to pass on the skills and knowledge of the business to the next generation, and give them the opportunity to learn.”

Mr Kidman added: “I had the benefit of someone giving me their time when I was an apprentice, and I made a career out of it.

“The industry is changing dramatically but it is very important to pass on the traditional plumbing skills so we have the knowledge of how things work, as well as the ability to work with the latest renewable energy systems.”

SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices, covering ten different occupations.