A City College Norwich student has become the first female to make it through to the final of the UK Copper Board National Apprentice Plumber of the Year competition.
Hayley Phenix, aged 19, earned her place in the final of the plumbing skills competition after winning the midlands regional heat held at Burton & South Derbyshire College.
Hayley is learning her trade with AMP Plumbing, her father’s Tony’s business, while attending college one day a week. She finished a level two apprenticeship in plumbing and heating last September and is now working towards level three.
Corrienne Peasgood, Norwich principal, said: “We’re very proud to have the first ever female apprentice in the final.”
Competitors at the heat had four hours to install a shower and a gas boiler. The final will be held on April 30 and May 1 at the Adey Conference and Training Centre, in Cheltenham.

Cap: From left: Tony Kite, from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Bob Baldock, lecturer at City College Norwich, Hayley Phenix with her winner’s bowl, and Kane Bramhall, from Burton & South Derbyshire College