The HIP Female Skills Competition is now open for entries for its event in 2024 and will be sponsored by Grohe Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) program.

HIP is a dedicated magazine for heating and plumbing students and apprentices and renowned for its ‘Learner of the Year’ competition, with the goal to build confidence and advocate skills development.

Building on its launch last year, the HIP Female Skills Competition will expand its search from two to three regions across the country, in February and March 2024, seeking the best up-and-coming industry professionals.

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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 providing skills and encouraging young professionals to the industry, the Give Program wishes to encourage more women into profession to help bridge the gender gap within the field.

Alongside the accolade for both the winning student and college, each competitor receives a certificate for taking part, and there are prizes donated by sponsors.

The competition will be judged by technical manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) Jerry Whiteley.

Managing director at HIP Zoë Tanner commented: “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 its headline sponsorship, Leader of the Give Program, Lixil EMENA Christopher Penney 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.”

Through the Grohe Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) program, the brand plans to train 5,000 plumbing students across more than 50 schools or colleges, in the EMENA region.

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