Building on its successful launch earlier this year, the HIP Female Skills Competition is already preparing for an even more exciting event in 2024, with entries now open, and the GROHE GIVE Program has signed up as headline sponsor following the debut success.

HIP, the only dedicated magazine for heating and plumbing students and apprentices, is renowned for its ‘Learner of the Year’ competition and continues to be committed to providing competitions for students, with the goal to build confidence and advocate skills development along with getting the very best people into the installer industry, regardless of gender.

Alongside providing valuable skills and encouraging young professionals to enter the industry, the GIVE Program wishes to excite and encourage more women into the profession to help bridge the gender gap within the field. It’s been found through recent studies that less than 3%1 of the 150,000+2 UK plumbers are female, showcasing a startling reality.

In February and March 2024, the HIP Female Skills Competition will expand its search from two to three regions across the country, seeking the very best up-and-coming industry professionals. Level 2 and 3 plumbing & heating learners from colleges nationwide will compete in a live practical installation. Each regional winner and runner-up will go on to compete in the grand finale for the chance to win the prestigious award.

Alongside the accolade for both the winning student and college, there are fantastic prizes to be won. Each competitor will receive a certificate for taking part, with prizes generously donated by sponsors, including headline sponsor GROHE GIVE, plus many others.

The competition will be judged by Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at HIP, shared, “We’re so excited for the next HIP Female Skills Competition. It’s been immensely encouraging to see the competition being supported again by so many big names from the industry with the likes of the GROHE GIVE Program on board, and a fantastic way for learners to build their confidence and take pride in their work. Now more than ever is the time to support the next generation of talent and we can’t wait to see what the competition brings.”

On their headline sponsorship, Christopher Penney, Leader, GIVE Program, LIXIL EMENA said, “It’s so important to try and bridge the gap between skilled installers. Obviously, we know there’s a huge gap in the workforce currently and the fact that this is an all-female competition is a huge positive for the industry and a step in the right direction. We want to set new industry standards with our products and also the people that install them, and the more women we can entice into this industry, the better.”

Running alongside HIP Female Skills Competition will be the Meet the Manufacturer series, which gives manufacturers the chance to update lecturers on the latest industry and product innovations.