West College Scotland will host the 51st annual Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition at its Paisley campus on Friday 12th June 2026.
The event, organised by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), will bring together some of the country’s top plumbing apprentices to compete across a range of practical challenges.
The competition is a key date in Scotland’s apprenticeship calendar and has supported more than 1,300 apprentices since it began. It is designed to showcase skills across the trade while highlighting the role apprenticeships play in developing the future workforce.
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.”
Photo: For more than 50 years, SPAY has been a launchpad for apprentices in the plumbing and heating profession to showcase their talent
Photo Credit: SNIPEF
Apprentices will be tested in three areas – copper pipework, leadwork and renewable technologies – covering both traditional skills and newer low-carbon systems used across the industry.
SNIPEF said the competition also highlights the wider importance of apprenticeships at a time when the sector faces challenges around skills shortages and workforce sustainability.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “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.”
The event is expected to attract apprentices, college representatives and industry figures from across Scotland, offering opportunities for networking and skills development.
Photo: Anne Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of West College Scotland
Photo Credit: West College Scotland
Photo: Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF
Photo Credit: NIPEF