At CORGI, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals — which is why we’re proud to continue our support of HIP Magazine’s Learner of the Year competition. The HIP LOY competition is now in its eighteenth year, offering Level 2 and 3 plumbing and heating learners from colleges across England and Wales the chance to demonstrate their skills in live practical installations.
By sponsoring HIP LOY 2026, CORGI helps provide up-and-coming apprentices with valuable industry exposure, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to launch their careers with confidence and professional recognition.
HIP Learner of the Year 2026: What’s New
- For 2026, HIP will be touring six regions across England and Wales between January and February, bringing the competition to venues that include:
- This year’s Grand Final will again follow the regional heats, giving regional winners—and one highest-scoring runner-up—the chance to compete for the national title.
- Participants (Level 2 or 3 students/apprentices) must be aged 25 or under at the time of application.
- Entry is free, and every competitor receives a certificate for taking part, regardless of final placement.
Why CORGI Is Proud to Be Involved — And What We Bring to the Table
Supporting real-world skills and industry readiness
The competition tasks involve practical installation work — often mirroring the kinds of real-world plumbing and heating jobs learners will face in their careers. By backing HIP LOY, CORGI helps apprentices gain valuable hands-on experience under realistic conditions, building their technical confidence and professional readiness.
Showcasing CORGI’s Products and Solutions in Action
Through our sponsorship, our products are often used in competition tasks — reinforcing CORGI’s presence in the sector and highlighting how our solutions meet real installation challenges. This helps strengthen awareness of the CORGI brand and supports our commitment to providing industry-grade quality for installers.
Engaging Educators and Colleges via HIP’s “Meet the Lecturer” Sessions
HIP Magazine hosts a “Meet the Lecturer” series alongside the Learner of the Year competition, enabling educators to connect directly with trusted industry specialists such as CORGI. This initiative provides a valuable platform for lecturers to explore CORGI’s current offerings and the practical support we provide to the sector.
As recognised in HIP Magazine as Industry Specialists, CORGI uses these sessions to reinforce our position as a knowledgeable and trusted partner within the heating and plumbing industry. By participating in these sessions, lecturers gain insight into how CORGI supports both them and their learners throughout their careers.
Our diverse range of resources — including technical manuals, spare parts, workwear and specialist training support — helps equip educators with the tools they need to train the next generation effectively. This collaboration ensures that future professionals are well prepared with the latest industry knowledge and best practice, supporting a smooth transition into self-employment or modern, increasingly digital trade environments.
Looking Ahead: How CORGI Intends to Engage Through 2026 and Beyond
As HIP LOY 2026 unfolds across the country, CORGI will continue to:
- Actively support regional heats and the Grand Final through sponsorship and presence — helping ensure the competition remains a high-quality, industry-respected event.
- Provide products, technical documentation and support materials to colleges participating in HIP LOY, supporting both students and educators.
- Engage with educators through HIP’s “Meet the Manufacturer” sessions to build enduring relationships and help shape plumbing & heating training standards for the future.
- Share highlights from the competition (when social release permits), celebrating the dedication, skill and ambition of young learners — reinforcing CORGI’s commitment to the future of the trade.
HIP Learner of the Year continues to be one of the most important platforms for spotlighting emerging talent in the UK plumbing and heating industry. By backing this competition in 2026, CORGI is not only investing in the future workforce — we’re also contributing to a culture of excellence, innovation, and professional pride in the trade. We look forward to seeing the next generation of talent flourish, and to supporting them with the tools, knowledge and resources they need to succeed.