> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Ipswich apprentices reach prestigious national skills competition finals
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-apprentices-reach-prestigious-national-skills-competition-finals/
- Published: 2024-07-30T11:10:50.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:38:50.000Z
- Description: Two apprentices from Suffolk New College have qualified for the national finals of WorldSkills, a prestigious vocational competition.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Vocational Education & Training, #article, Suffolk New College, M&C Engineering, SEH French, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** Success in these competitions showcases the talent and skills developed in Suffolk's vocational education sector, helping boost the region's reputation for skilled trades.

**The big picture:** [WorldSkills](https://worldskills.org/?ref=ipswich.co.uk) is an international charity that organises vocational competitions, culminating in a 'Skills Olympics' style event held globally every two years.

**The details:**

- Sam Page, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice from Ipswich, won first place in the Eastern regional qualifier. He will compete in the national finals in Oldham on November 20-21, 2024.
- Joe Swallow, a 31-year-old electrical installation apprentice who's also from Ipswich, finished in the top eight out of 180 national competitors. He'll also compete in the Oldham finals in November 2024.
- Both apprentices work for local companies while studying at Suffolk New College.
- Sam works for [SEH French](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/seh-french/) in Ipswich while Joe works for [M & C Engineering](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/m-c-engineering/) in Woodbridge.

**What they're saying:**

Sam Page: “When I found out I had won, I was overjoyed."

![Sam Page working](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1722337347-sam-page-at-plumbskill-jpeg.jpg)

Sam Page from Ipswich won first place in the Eastern regional qualifier of WorldSkills (BPEC)

Joe Swallow, who previously worked in the haulage industry, is in the midst of a career change. He said, "I've got no regrets about shifting careers. I wish I had done this sooner. Getting to competitions like this shows I'm doing something right."

![Photo of Joe Swallow](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1722337409-joe-swallow-from-ipswich.jpg)

Joe Swallow from Ipswich has got to the national finals of WorldSkills Photo: Joe Swallow (Joe Swallow)

**What's next:** The apprentices will undergo additional training with support from their employers and the college to prepare for the national finals.

Craig Shimmon, head of marketing at Suffolk New College, said: "We will be supporting our finalists ahead the nationals in the coming weeks and months."

**The bottom line:** These achievements highlight the quality of apprenticeship programs in Suffolk and the potential for local talent to compete on a national stage.

### Independent local journalism is expensive to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.