Bronwen Evans, a learner from Cardiff and Vale College, won the 2026 HIP Female Skills Competition after impressing with her technical ability and attention to detail.
The national competition, now in its fourth year, is the only UK event dedicated to supporting and showcasing female students in the plumbing and heating industry.
Ms Evans said: “I’m still in disbelief that I won but really pleased with myself.
“It goes to show that hard work pays off.”
The event focused on developing and celebrating talent in a field that remains largely male-dominated.
Open to Level 2 and 3 students and apprentices, the competition puts participants through high-pressure, real-world challenges to test their practical and technical skills.
Ms Evans progressed through the regional heats to reach the Grand Final at Stephenson College, part of the Loughborough College Group, where she competed against six other finalists in a WaterSafe Register-designed installation challenge.
Her standout performance earned her both the national title and a selection of professional plumbing equipment to support her future career.
Sharon James-Evans, principal of Cardiff and Vale College, said: “Massive congratulations to Bronwen for winning the HIP Female Skills Competition.
“It really is an impressive feat to go against the best young talent in the country and come out the winner.
“CAVC is a firm believer in the importance of industry skills competitions and the role they play in developing strong skills sets and creating a source of future talent that benefits individuals, employers and the economy.
“Well done to Bronwen and the CAVC colleagues who supported her to get to this level.”
