Our apprentice gas engineer Georgia Popham-Roberts has been named the winner of the HIP Female Skills 2025 Grand Final.
Georgia won an intense regional heat in Bath earlier this year, and came up against two finalists from the southern, central and northern regions in the final.
The final showcased the skills, dedication and passion for the UK’s top female plumbing and heating apprentices. And after a six-hour final, where competitors had to complete a complicated practical exercise, Georgia was crowned the winner.
Georgia said: “I am gobsmacked and so delighted. I really didn’t think I would win and when my name was announced as the winner, it was an emotional moment.
“I am so thrilled and it is an amazing achievement. To be judged as the best female UK apprentice in my field fills with me huge pride.
“All of the finalists are so talented and the competition was really strong."
The final took place at Stephenson Campus, part of the SMB Group, in Coalville, Leicestershire, and saw six talented finalists go head-to-head in a meticulously designed competition.
The participants were given an installation plan where a boiler had to be connected to a radiator and then ensure a hot and cold feed to a basin and shower with a waste run.
Throughout the day, judges assessed each of the finalists’ work before scoring the finished product.
Georgia, who attends Cornwall College St Austell as part of her apprenticeship with us, stood out for her outstanding technical ability, attention to detail, and professionalism which earned her high praise from the judging panel.
Her reward for being winning named the winner of the competition was a tool set, an apple watch, a shower, and online vouchers.
Georgia reflected on the process, she said: “I didn’t actually tell my family until I qualified for the final but they were so proud of me when I told them I had won.
“I would like to say a big thank you to LiveWest for giving me the time and space for allowing me to prepare for the final.
“My apprenticeship involves floating between plumbing and gas to give me the full range of experience needed for a successful career.
“My manager, Luke, was very kind and allowed me to spend more time doing the plumbing side of things in the lead up to the competition.
“It allowed me to concentrate on fine-tuning my skills going into the final.”
Having served in the Royal Navy and carving out a successful spell in nursing, Georgia decided to take a career change at the age of 31 to fulfil her dream of moving into a practical trade.
We welcome apprentices of all ages and Georgia has excelled as she comes towards the end of her third year as an apprentice.
Georgia said: “I have loved every minute of it. Everyone I have worked with has been so lovely and always willing to share their knowledge and skills.
“At LiveWest, you get to work with other trades as well, like carpentry and electrical, which gives you a great awareness of how other trades work.
“I will finish my apprenticeship this time next year and looking forward to the future.”
Liane Sheppard, Our Director of Property Services, said: “It has been a pleasure to follow Georgia’s journey at LiveWest and she has excelled in all areas of her apprenticeship.
“We are extremely proud of her for winning this competition, it demonstrates how her dedication, skill and success are an inspiration to aspiring tradespeople everywhere.”