APPRENTICESHIPS
David Bateman Smith from Lisbellaw, a Level 3 Plumbing and Heating apprentice at SWC, recently won the gold medal in the plumbing category at the WorldSkills UK final.
THE WORLDSKILLS UK GOLD MEDALLIST CHAMPIONED THE BENEFITS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ROUTE TO MARK NORTHERN IRELAND APPRENTICESHIP WEEK OVER FEBRUARY 3-7… South West College plumbing apprentice shares his success story
As part of the recent Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week, Level 3 Plumbing and Heating apprentice David Bateman Smith has shared how the apprenticeship route set him on the pathway to success. Led by the Department of the Economy, NI
Technology and Skills Centre. Currently, David is in the final year of his Level 3 qualification at SWC. Over the past three years, he has successfully balanced his studies with his role as an apprentice at Ashley McFarland Plumbing. David’s
see him join Squad UK and potentially represent Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. “I’ve always enjoyed practical work, and the apprenticeship route has been perfect for me,” said David. “The tutors at SWC are incredibly supportive and helpful, and my employer has been equally encouraging. Being able to earn and learn is a massive advantage, and the skills I’ve developed during my apprenticeship have made a huge difference in both my career and personal growth. “Participating in competitions like WorldSkills has been an incredible experience. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone considering it. It helps you grow as a person, enhances your learning, and allows you to implement those skills in your work. This journey has not only strengthened my confidence but also opened up exciting opportunities for the future.” To learn more about traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities at South West College, visit www.swc.ac.uk and search apprenticeships.
“Being able to earn and learn is a massive advantage, and the skills I’ve developed during my apprenticeship have made a huge difference in both my career and personal growth.”
Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration which ran over February 3-7. It aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships across Northern Ireland by bringing together partners including local councils, employers, universities, further education colleges and private training providers.
dedication, hard work and exceptional skill in the trade were recognised when he won the gold medal in the plumbing category at the prestigious SkillBuild NI competition as well as a gold medal at the recent WorldSkills UK finals, held in Manchester. This achievement came after months of local and
David began his journey into plumbing at Fivemiletown College, where he enrolled as an Entitlement Framework student, studying Level 1 Plumbing. His passion for the trade quickly became evident, enabling him to progress seamlessly to Level 2 at the SWC Enniskillen
regional qualifiers, culminating in a week of intense competition at the national finals. David’s outstanding performance has also opened the possibility of selection for the WorldSkills UK international training and development programme. This opportunity could
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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 65
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