THE annual plumbing “Oscars” at Great Yarmouth College celebrated excellence and achievement for students of the trade.The apprentices, full-time students, adult learners and post-16 students receiving awards were among the last to complete their courses in the college's construction centre on Boundary Road.

THE annual plumbing “Oscars” at Great Yarmouth College celebrated excellence and achievement for students of the trade.

The apprentices, full-time students, adult learners and post-16 students receiving awards were among the last to complete their courses in the college's construction centre on Boundary Road.

Next year, plumbing and all students in construction trades - brickwork, carpentry, electrical installation and painting and decorating - will move to the new �7.5 million purpose-built Centre for Construction and Manufacturing Technologies currently under construction.

The centre will offer each trade open light and airy work spaces, teaching rooms, showers and the latest equipment in a value-for-money building.

This year the title of Plumbing Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers, was awarded to Steven Loades - who won the plumbing student of the year last year.

Steven, an apprentice with Pro Heat Plumbing, of Gorleston, was presented with a silver-plated Blowlamp by Roger Willis, branch secretary for Norfolk Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers to recognise academic achievement, craft and quality of work in the workplace.

Steven, who has attended Yarmouth College on a day release basis, recently entered the RE Carter awards achieving a bronze medal.

Learner of the Year sponsored by Lecico went to George Williams to recognise his high quality of craft over two years at the college.

The Plumbase Award to celebrate excellence in achievement in plumbing craft studies went to Martin Galea for this year's topic, projects on renewable Energies and innovation.

Female plumbing student Tabitha Rodwell was rewarded for excellent course work on her E2E course. Tabitha, who never finished high school, discovered her love for plumbing during the 22-week E2E course and has now enrolled on a two-year course.

The most improved full-time learner was Stefan Byholt.

Other awards were presented to Daniel Brown, Lewis Beales, Scott Gullick and Ali Edwards.

Monument Phase Test Awards, sponsored by Monument were awarded to students achieving the highest marks or personal best results. Daniel Heller (health and safety), George Williams (principles), Paul Pedro (processes), Alex King (cold water), Andrew Pointer (hot water), Reece Heller (sanitation), Steven Loades (central heating), Martin Galea (electrics), Ollie Eastwood (lead), Stefan Byholt (environmental awareness), Grant Smith (effective working relationships), Steven Loades (Gola final test).