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Two determined Suffolk New College students have won regional construction competitions and are now setting their sights on becoming the best in the country.
Why it matters: The dual victories in prestigious industry contests showcase the high standard of vocational training in the region and continue Suffolk New College's strong track record in national skills competitions.
The winning spark: Zack Bloomfield, 20, from Felixstowe, won the Midland regional Sparks competition, designed to find the best apprentice electrician in the country.
The A R Electrical trainee beat nine other competitors during a four-hour installation challenge in Corby earlier this month.
Bloomfield will compete in Birmingham on 2 April 2025, facing five other apprentices during a two-day challenge at the JTL Training Centre.
His tutor Lawrence Metcalfe said: "He is a great student and I'm proud of his efforts. He has every chance of winning if he shows focus."
Plumbing success: Luke Warren, 21, from Ipswich, also tasted victory in Corby, winning the Heating Industry Plumbing (HIP) learner of the year regional heat.
The level 3 plumbing apprentice, who works for the Daly Group, beat nine other contestants during a five-and-a-half-hour challenge.
Warren now advances to the national finals in Staffordshire at the end of March.
His tutor Owen Breadman said: "Luke did everything pretty much perfectly. It was brilliant for Luke to win this. He is one of the top students in the country."
By the numbers: The college has a track record of success in these competitions, with student Jane Thorp previously winning the first-ever female Sparks competition and placing second in last year's national finals.
What they're saying: Bloomfield described his victory simply: "I went in, cracked on and came out on top. It was a nice feeling to win."
He received books, tools and a radio for winning his heat and added: "I'm hoping to go in there, do what I did in the regionals and win. It would be a great achievement."
Warren was equally confident: "I felt confident going into it and it was fun. I was happy. I was allowed some headphones and that helped me relax. I listened to The Kooks. Winning has given me great recognition."
Looking ahead to the finals, he said: "I hope to win it."
The bottom line: These regional victories continue Suffolk New College's tradition of excellence in national skills competitions, with both students now preparing to showcase Suffolk's apprenticeship training on the national stage.
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