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Three Scottish tradespeople secure places in national competition final

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 5:34 GMT by The Scotsman
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Three Scottish Tradespeople Secure Places in National Competition Final

A trio of skilled artisans from Scotland have earned a coveted spot in the national final of the UK’s most prestigious trade‑sector competition, bringing pride not only to their local communities but also to the wider Scottish industry. The trio – a plumber from Edinburgh, a carpenter from Aberdeen and an electrician from Inverness – were selected after a rigorous regional judging panel reviewed portfolios, project outcomes and testimonials from clients and supervisors. Their achievement marks a milestone for Scottish tradespeople and highlights the growing emphasis on apprenticeship pathways across the country.

The Competition That Draws the Best of Britain

The national final is the culmination of a year‑long process that began with a call for applications across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The competition, run in partnership with the Department for Education, the Construction Industry Federation and the British Apprenticeship Awards, seeks to identify the most talented tradespeople who combine technical skill, innovation and customer service.

“Trade skills are the backbone of the UK economy,” said John Smith, Director of the National Apprenticeship Awards. “This competition is about recognising those who go above and beyond the call of duty and showcasing the high level of craft that exists across the four nations.”

Applicants were first assessed at the regional level. The Scottish panel – made up of senior industry professionals and local apprenticeship champions – shortlisted three finalists who then travelled to the national stage in London, where they will compete against six other regional winners. The finalists will be judged on a series of live challenges, including a rapid‑repair simulation, a safety compliance audit and a “client satisfaction” case study. The overall winner will receive a £20,000 training scholarship, a trip to the UK’s leading construction conferences and an endorsement from the UK Prime Minister’s Apprenticeship Fund.

Meet the Scottish Finalists

1. Mike Brown – Plumber, Edinburgh

Mike Brown, 28, has worked for the Edinburgh‑based plumbing firm “WaterWorks Edinburgh” for the past five years. He built his reputation on a blend of traditional pipe fitting and the adoption of smart‑water technologies. In the regional round, Brown showcased a detailed project where he installed a rainwater harvesting system for a community centre, reducing water bills by 15 % and earning praise for his meticulous installation and client liaison skills.

“I was thrilled when I heard the call,” said Brown. “I’ve always believed that a good plumber is not just about fixing leaks – it’s about providing solutions that last.”

2. Sarah McLeod – Carpenter, Aberdeen

Sarah McLeod is 34 and works as a lead carpenter for “Aberdeen Timber Works.” Her portfolio highlighted a bespoke timber framing project for a boutique hotel in the Cairngorms, where she incorporated sustainable sourcing practices and innovative joinery techniques. McLeod’s work impressed the judges with its precision and aesthetic value, earning her a “Gold” rating at the regional level.

“Construction in Scotland is getting a reputation for sustainability and craftsmanship,” McLeod remarked. “I’m proud to represent that ethos on a national stage.”

3. James MacDonald – Electrician, Inverness

James MacDonald, 31, is an electrician with the Inverness‑based firm “Northern Electrical Solutions.” His regional showcase focused on a smart‑grid integration project for a university campus, where he designed and installed a hybrid renewable energy system that cut the campus’s carbon footprint by 12 %. The judges praised MacDonald for his thorough safety checks and ability to communicate complex electrical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

“Being able to help my community move towards renewable energy is something I take great pride in,” MacDonald said. “This competition is a chance to share that passion with a wider audience.”

Why This Matters for Scottish Trades

The success of the trio has been hailed by local trade bodies as evidence of Scotland’s strong apprenticeship pipeline. The Scottish Government’s “Apprenticeship 2025” campaign, launched in 2022, has aimed to increase apprentice intake by 10 % across the country, with a particular focus on trades that are under‑represented in the mainstream curriculum.

“Seeing these individuals move onto the national stage highlights the effectiveness of our apprenticeship and vocational training programs,” said Fiona MacLeod, Head of Apprenticeship Development at the Scottish Trade Council. “It also sends a powerful message to young people: you can build a fulfilling career here, not just in an office.”

Moreover, the competition’s exposure could stimulate further investment in trade education. Data from the UK Office for National Statistics indicates that skilled construction and engineering roles account for over 20 % of Scotland’s employment, and the region’s GDP is closely linked to the health of the construction sector. By celebrating local talent, the competition may also inspire partnerships between employers, educational institutions and government bodies to close the skills gap.

What’s Next for the Finalists?

The national final will take place at the ExCeL London on 12 March, where the finalists will face off in a series of high‑stakes challenges designed to mimic real‑world project pressures. Judges will include senior industry figures such as the Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Federation and a representative from the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Beyond the immediate prize, the finalists will receive career‑building opportunities, such as mentorship from leading architects and engineers, and invitations to showcase their work at the London Building Expo. The competition’s final live stream, available on the National Apprenticeship Awards website, is expected to attract over 200,000 viewers, further amplifying the reach of the trades sector.

For more detailed information about the competition, including the full schedule, judging criteria and how to apply, readers can visit the National Apprenticeship Awards’ official site, linked in the original article.

Conclusion

Three Scottish tradespeople have risen above a highly competitive field to secure a place in the national final of the UK’s leading trade competition. Their journeys – from a rain‑water harvesting installation in Edinburgh to a smart‑grid project in Inverness – reflect the diversity, innovation and skill that characterises the Scottish trade workforce. As they prepare to compete on a national platform, they carry the hopes of a generation of apprentices, the pride of their communities and the promise of a brighter, more skilled future for Scotland’s industry.