Exeter College apprentice Jordan Picot has been named as the best young plumber in the country after winning ‘Gold’ at the coveted WorkSkills UK final.

Jordan, from Newton Abbot, won the coveted accolade at the National Final of SkillPLUMB at the WorldSkills UK competition at the NEC in Birmingham. He was awarded a Gold medal after wowing judges with his plumbing skills and professionalism against the very best young plumbers from across the country.

Jordan has now been invited to join the WorldSkills UK Squad, which could see Jordan represent the UK at the 45th international WorldSkills competition being held in Russia during 2019 – the Olympics of skills.

WorldSkills UK brings together apprentices and young people from across the UK to compete to be the best in their chosen vocation. The competition encourages students and apprentices to be ambitious in their pursuit for excellence, while equipping them with lifelong, world-class skills.

Jordan, 20, who is a Level 3 Advanced Apprentice in Domestic Plumbing and Heating, and is employed by specialists in sustainable energy, Go Green Engineering, said: “I am over the moon to have won the gold medal. It is such an achievement. I would have never believed I would have won a competition like this if you had of told me two years ago. I’m especially delighted to be part of the UK squad for the international competition in Russia.

“I’m really grateful to the support of my friends, family, the college, and my employer for making this happen.”

Jordan’s employer, Will Slatcher, from Go Green Engineering, said: “I’d like to congratulate Jordan on this awesome achievement in winning the WorldSkills UK competition. It is a testament to his hard work and ability to learn. A true apprentice with the right attitude. Well done to you!.”

Go Green Engineering are specialists in sustainable energy solutions, designing and installing energy efficient systems, ranging from solar thermal hot water systems, heat pumps and biomass systems.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, pointed out that for academic students many see progressing to a top Russell Group university as marker for how well they have done compared to their peers. He said that in vocational or technical subjects, the equivalent of Oxford or Cambridge, is success at WorldSkills.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Jordan on his stunning achievement, he is now simply the best young plumber in our nation!

“As a result of winning a ‘gold’ medal Jordan has now been selected to form part of the world skills competition in Russia in 2019. I would like to thank his employer Go Green Engineering and thank the staff who have trained and supported Jordan.”

Chris Bennett, who is Jordan’s tutor at the college, said: “Personally, it has been a great to watch Jordan progress and develop his skills and experience over the past few years. Jordan’s hard work at college, on site and in previous competitions have all contributed to the standard of work in the final, this will also stand him in good stead for the Team GB WorldSkills.”

Come and see what Exeter College has to offer at our next whole college Open Event on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 5-8pm. Register online today www.exe-coll.ac.uk