From the buzz in the room to the proud smiles of finalists, the regional heats of HIP Magazine’s Learner of the Year Award have been a true celebration of talent, dedication, and the future of our industry. As proud sponsors of the competition, CORGI Services had a front-row seat to all the action, with our Business Development Manager, Deborah Stephenson, attending each event across the UK.
We caught up with Deborah to hear more about what it meant to represent CORGI Services on the road and why supporting future engineers matters more than ever.
A Flying Start to 2025
“This year’s competition has been electric,” says Deborah. “There’s been so much energy and excitement in every regional heat, and you can really feel how much it means to these learners. It’s been a flying start to the year for us at CORGI Services and being there in person has made it all the more meaningful.”
From Manchester to Exeter, Deborah travelled to each location to meet the finalists, speak to tutors, and see the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers in action.
Why Sponsorship Matters
“For CORGI Services, sponsoring this award is about more than brand visibility. It’s about building relationships, inspiring confidence in the trade, and showing learners that they are valued,” she explains. “These young professionals are going to shape the future of energy, renewables, and safe home environments.”
Supporting the Learner of the Year Award aligns directly with CORGI’s commitment to raising standards in the sector and promoting a skilled, confident workforce.
Standout Moments
Asked about standout memories from the events, Deborah recalls:
“One of the most inspiring things was watching how seriously the learners took the competition. The level of skill, especially under pressure, was outstanding. And I loved seeing how proud their families and tutors were, that sense of community was powerful.”
What’s Next?
With the grand final around the corner, CORGI Services will continue to follow the journey of the finalists and celebrate their achievements across our platforms. Deborah’s message to this year’s competitors?
“You’re already a success. Making it to a regional heat is no small feat, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves. Keep learning, keep pushing, and know that the industry needs you.”
Supporting the Future
At CORGI Services, we’re proud to champion young professionals entering the industry. The HIP Learner of the Year Award is just one of the many ways we’re investing in the future of home services, alongside CORGI Trade, CORGI Skills, and our partnerships across the sector.
Stay tuned as we share more highlights from the regional events and shine a light on the people and organisations shaping the next generation of excellence.
