Mirfield plumbing apprentice in the pipeline for national accolade

Daniel Hobson, who works for DTR Gas and Heating Specialists in Mirfield, will compete in the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year final next month after winning his regional heat.

The 19-year-old, who studies at Bradford College one day a week and trains on the job four days a week, triumphed over apprentices from eight other colleges at the North West heat held in Burnley.

He scored top marks after completing a complex pipework task, which showcased his plumbing and heating skills.

He now heads to Cheltenham for a final at the end of March, where he will go up against the winners of the six other regional heats for the national title and a £1,000 prize.

Daniel said: “I didn’t expect to win but now I have I am feeling quite confident about the final.

“It felt great to win and my employer was over the moon.”

Daniel’s victory came as no surprise to his college tutors.

Chris Webb, plumbing lecturer at Bradford College, said: “We put him in for the competition because his work is exceptional – he is the best in his year. His work is faultless, which is what the judge said to him at the heat.”

Ben Houlbrook, from Daniel’s training provider City Training Services, added: “We are delighted that Daniel won the regional heat.

“We deal with his employer and so know just how good his work is.

“He’s a very talented apprentice and deserves a place in the final. We wish him well and know he will do us proud.”