Apprentices from Abingdon & Witney College recently demonstrated exceptional skill and talent in the prestigious SPARKS and HIP Learner of the Year 2025 events. The events featured both male and female categories, showcasing the outstanding performances of our Electrical and Plumbing apprentices.
Oliver K, Louie, Anna and Oliver H took part in the HIP Plumbing competition at Farnborough College of Technology where they battled against many other apprentices from colleges around the country. A notable highlight was the achievement of Oliver K, one of our Plumbing apprentices, at Gas-Tech Banbury, who secured the runner-up position in the male category. His performance has earned him a well-deserved spot in the finals later this year, where he will compete against some of the finest apprentices from across the country.
Will Gibbs, our Construction Skills Project Lead, reflected on the significance of the events, stating:
“Today was also one of those days when you realise the effect everyone can have on our learners. When runner up Oliver was being interviewed for the magazine, I almost got emotional hearing him talk about how Abingdon & Witney College had helped him change his life for the better through his apprenticeship at Bicester.”
In the female round of the SPARKS competition at Bath College, Lainey, one of our Electrical apprentices with the Locksley Group, went against eight other female competitors. Her participation at the competition represented women in the construction and engineering sectors, inspiring future generations of apprentices at Abingdon & Witney College.
"It was incredible to see our apprentices in action at this fantastic competition! They absolutely crushed it and represented the College with such energy and enthusiasm. It’s clear that the hard work and dedication from the team at the Bicester campus—especially the training coordinators, tutors, and everyone involved—has made a positive impression. The same positive energy and drive are now beginning to show with our Abingdon apprentices. This is what happens when a great team and passionate individuals come together to make something special!"
– Mark French, Head of Bicester Construction Skills Centre
The SPARKS and HIP competitions serve as a vital platform for apprentices to test their skills, gain industry recognition, and build confidence in their craft, as well as meeting other apprentices in their field.
We are proud of both Ollie and Lainey for their achievements in these competitions, and we look forward to cheering Ollie on as he competes in the finals later this year.
Find out more about our Electrical and Plumbing apprenticeships below.
