17/05/11
Gemma finds success in the pipeline
Gemma Prosser, 20, from Tumble decided to take the unusual step of becoming a plumber after helping her partner Richard Jones on various jobs for his company, Pink and Blue Plumbing.
On-the-job experience whet her appetite for the plumbing trade and in order to gain professional qualifications, Gemma enrolled at Coleg Sir Gâr to study for an NVQ level 2 in plumbing. As the only girl on her course, Gemma is happy to keep her fellow peers on their toes, proving that gender makes no difference in the plumbing trade. She now hopes to become a fully qualified plumber and join Pink and Blue Plumbing in a full-time role.
Such has been the quality of her work and commitment since starting the course, Gemma’s tutor Tony Dunne suggested she take part in the competition to test her pipe bending and installation skills against others in her field. Gemma’s attention to detail and understanding of the tasks resulted in her being crowned plumbing champion.
The competition aims to find the most talented vocational and trades people. It involves colleges, Sector Skills Councils and training providers throughout Wales holding competitions in a wide range of skills from plumbing and electrical installation to hospitality and web design.
Gemma was commended by the team of judges for her top-level skills and her ability to closely follow a task in order to assemble a water tight joint to exact specifications.
Speaking of her win, Gemma said: “The competition was a great experience. Competing against other people who are studying the same course has enabled me to see how far I’ve come since I started my NVQ and to pick up other tips and techniques.
“The competition scenario is very different to the classroom but I found the pressure increased the quality of my work. I’m ecstatic to have won.”
skillscompetition Wales is financed by the Welsh Assembly Government with the support of the European Social Fund. The plumbing competition was run by Coleg Sir Gâr and involved working in partnership with a number of colleges throughout Wales to run heats leading up to the grand final.
Barry Liles, Principal of Coleg Sir Gâr and Wales' official WorldSkills Champion, said: "These competitions provide an excellent opportunity for our skilled young people to show that they can be world beaters. They can putWales, as a small nation, on the map by demonstrating the quality of their own work and showcasing the calibre of the Welsh workforce generally.
“Competitions such as skillscompetition Wales and WorldSkills UK present young people with an exciting opportunity to showcase their trade and vocational skills so that these skills may be recognised and developed to meet the needs of Welsh employers."
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