A Cornish heating and plumbing apprentice has received one of the industry’s most prestigious
honours, being awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers at
the World Plumbing Conference in Birmingham.

Dillon Newton, 24, from Bodmin, who works for Custom Heat’s South West operation, received
the certificate at the National Exhibition Centre this month, in recognition of his Gold medal win
at the SkillPLUMB 2025 national plumbing competition, in which he beat more than 500
competitors to be crowned the UK’s top plumbing apprentice.

Dillon Newton, apprentice at Custom Heat’s South West operation, receives his
Certificate of Excellence from Master Sandra Raine of the Worshipful Company of
Plumbers at the World Plumbing Conference, NEC Birmingham, June 2026.

The Worshipful Company of Plumbers is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of
London, established in 1365 to regulate the plumbing and leadwork trade. It promotes high
standards of craftsmanship, provides industry bursaries and supports charitable causes related
to water sanitation.

The Cornish-born apprentice, who is studying at The Cornwall College Group, is now in his
fourth year specialising in natural gas, and is due to complete his City & Guilds Level 3
qualification later this year.

Dillon initially planned to join the RAF but was unable to due to childhood asthma. After a year
working in the family groundworks and masonry business, he found his way into plumbing and
hasn’t looked back.

“Receiving this certificate from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers is something I never
expected when I started my apprenticeship,” said Dillon. “To be recognised by an organisation
with such history behind it means a huge amount. I’m really proud to represent Cornwall and
Custom Heat and hopefully it shows other young people in the South West that there is a real
future in the trades.”

Dillon is passionate about the future of the trade and the security it offers young people. “With
things getting so technological now, AI taking over some people’s jobs, the trade is never going
to get replaced,” he said. “It’s a skill. For ambitious people, it’s a challenge. Everyone starts at
the same position, not knowing anything about it, and it can be quite rewarding when you find
yourself learning and getting better at your job, taking pride in it.”

After completing his gas qualification, Dillon plans to continue upskilling, particularly in oil-fired
systems which are common in rural Cornwall and the South West.

Lincoln Smith, Managing Director of Custom Heat, said: “We are incredibly proud of Dillon. To
receive a Certificate of Excellence from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers is a remarkable
achievement and a real testament to his dedication and talent. Dillon is exactly the kind of
engineer we love to nurture at Custom Heat, and this recognition shows what is possible when
young people commit to learning a trade properly. We couldn’t be prouder of what he has
achieved.”

Custom Heat, which is based in Coventry and Rugby and operates across the Midlands and
South West, has supported around 25 apprentices over the past decade and has gained
recognition for its employment practices and high levels of customer service.