Tresham College T Level student makes history as Midlands winner of HIP Learner of the Year

Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, is celebrating the success of 19 year old Patryk Pluta, a T Level student at the College’s Corby Campus.

He was named the Midlands regional winner of the HIP (Heating Installer and Plumbing) Learner of the Year 2026 competition, one of six regional heats held across England and Wales.

Patryk is the first-ever full-time student, and the first from a T Level programme, to win a plumbing regional heat in the competition. He has been with Tresham College for several years, having started his training as a Level 1 plumbing student, and is now in year 2 of the C&G Level 3 Technical Qualification in Building Services.

The HIP Learner of the Year competition showcases the skills and professionalism of emerging talent in plumbing and heating. The regional heat was held at Tresham College’s Corby Campus, where 10 competitors took part in a practical, time-pressured technical challenge.

The competition required students to install key components of a heating system to strict tolerances within a tight six-hour timeframe. Competitors were assessed on accurately fitting pipework to a combi boiler, including installing a pump, magnetic filter, and radiator, as well as connecting a shower using multiple joining techniques, including soldering and compression fittings.

Stuart James, Technical Lecturer – Plumbing, at Tresham College, Corby, said:

“I couldn’t be prouder of Patryk. Winning this heat and reaching the final is a massive achievement and something he should be truly proud of, even more so as he is the first full-time learner and T-Level student ever to reach the HIP’s learner of the year final. I have seen the hard work, dedication and effort he’s put in over his time with us at Tresham, and this result is fully deserved.

“Moments like this can have a really positive change in a student’s confidence and belief in themselves. It shows them that their skill and commitment pay off. It’s also a big step towards Patryk’s goal of starting an NVQ in plumbing, and having an achievement like this on his CV makes him a very attractive candidate to employers.

“It’s a proud moment for us at the college as it reflects the standard we set and hopefully inspires other young people to push themselves and aim high.”

Tresham College offers a range of vocational and technical programmes designed to develop industry-ready skills. With campuses in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough, the College focuses on high-quality teaching and hands-on training aligned to employer needs.

Find out more

Find out more about the plumbing courses available across The Bedford College Group here: https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/subjects/plumbing-gas/