West College Scotland has been selected to host the 51st annual Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition at its Paisley campus on 12 June 2026.
The event, organised by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), is a long-established fixture in Scotland’s construction and building services calendar, showcasing emerging talent in the plumbing and heating sector.
The competition comes at a time when the construction industry continues to face skills shortages and ongoing pressure on apprenticeship pipelines. More than 1,300 apprentices have taken part in SPAY since its launch, highlighting its role in developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
SNIPEF said the event provides a platform to demonstrate the importance of apprenticeships in supporting infrastructure delivery, public health, and the transition to low-carbon building systems.
Technical Skills Tested Across Key Disciplines
The competition will assess apprentices across three core areas: copper pipework, leadwork, and renewable technologies. These disciplines reflect the range of skills required in modern plumbing and heating, from traditional craftsmanship to the installation of low-carbon systems.
Anne Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted that West College Scotland has been selected to host this year’s Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition.
“We are proud to play a leading role in developing the next generation of highly skilled plumbing professionals. Competitions like SPAY showcase the talent coming through the sector and highlight the importance of high-quality, industry-aligned training in meeting future workforce needs. We are thrilled to welcome competitors, partners and colleagues from across SNIPEF and beyond to our campus for what promises to be an inspiring event.”
Industry Emphasis on Workforce Development
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said the competition highlights the importance of maintaining high standards in a safety-critical sector: “In a safety-critical profession like plumbing and heating, apprenticeships not only create lifelong careers, but skills essential to Scotland’s infrastructure, development and economic growth.
“The SPAY competition, alongside our ongoing efforts to upskill and modernise the curriculum, help demonstrate SNIPEF’s commitment to see the next generation prepared for the pivotal roles of the future, while also providing a platform to showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of our apprentices.
“By investing in talent today, we are safeguarding the standards, innovation and professionalism that will define our industry for decades to come.”
Industry Engagement and Networking Opportunities
The event is expected to attract participants from across Scotland’s further education network, alongside employers and industry representatives. As well as testing technical ability, SPAY provides an opportunity for apprentices to engage with peers and potential employers within the construction and building services sector.
