An enthusiastic audience of 170 people, including lecturers and students from six colleges, attended the recent Student Awards Dinner organised by the Kent Branch of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

The event took place in Maidstone, Kent, on 8 May. Kevin Wellman, CIPHE chief executive, presented prizes to 17 students and gave a short speech on professional qualifications.


Afterwards he said: "I was delighted and privileged to present awards to students in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The awards reflect the immense support provided by colleges and lecturers to enthusiastic and conscientious plumbing trainees. Well done to all concerned!"


The colleges taking part were: Bexley College, Canterbury College, East Kent College (Broadstairs), MidKent College (Gillingham), MidKent College (Maidstone), and North West Kent College (Gravesend).


Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and were entertained by magician Jonathan Shotton, who performed close up illusions and gave a short parlour show.


Mike Remon, event organiser for the Kent Branch, was delighted by the support given by the 20 sponsors.


"This is our 8th annual plumbing student awards dinner, with this one being our biggest and best one yet," he said. "The hard work and dedication of the Kent Branch committee and our sponsors gave the students, lecturers and distinguished guests a night to remember. With 17 prize winners covering six colleges based in Kent, our aim next year is to have all eight colleges participating. I would like to thank all our sponsors for their assistance in making this year’s event a night for all the students to be proud of their achievements."


The CIPHE would like to thank the following sponsors, who also held an exhibition for attendees: Adey Professional Heating Solutions, Aliaxis, Alpha, Altecnic, Aqualisa, Bansal, Baxi, Drakes Plumbing Supplies, Honeywell, Hydrotec, Ideal, Pegler Yorkshire, Polypipe, Quinn Radiators, Rothenberger, Salamander Pumps, Saniflo, Stelrad, Vaillant and Worcester, Bosch Group.