Nick

YOUNG APPRENTICE WINS GOLD AT NATIONAL SKILLS COMPETITION

17-year-old Apprentice, Nick Baxter, from Boston in Lincolnshire has scooped the gold medal in the national final of a plumbing skills competition. The competition took place at Somerset College in 2004. Nick fought off tough competition from around the country and has earned himself the title of UK Copper Board Young Plumber of the Year 2004. He now has the chance to compete in the 2005 International Skills Olympics, which is taking place in Japan.

Nick, who first decided on Plumbing after spotting a national shortage in the profession, has just entered into the second year of his Heating & Plumbing Apprenticeship that will give him an NVQ Level 2. Nick has received a great deal of support from his employer, Gordon Jackson Plumbing & Heating. Gordon Jackson said: “It’s quite a commitment to employ an Apprentice, especially for a small business like mine that has so few employees. However Nick has proved to be a real asset and I am delighted with his commitment and work.”

Nick’s Training Provider has also given him a great deal of support. His Training Advisor, Robin Smith said: “Nick is a model trainee. He has a great future ahead of him and his achievement is testament to his own hard work and that of his employer.”

The Learning Skills Council exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. We are responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone. We have a single goal: to improve the skills of England’s young people and adults to world-class standards. Our vision is that by 2010, young people and adults in England have the knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a truly competitive workforce. Established in 2001, we work nationally, regionally and locally from a network of offices across the country.