Super Mario plumber takes 'Olympic' medal

With no student debt, Ruben Duggan is working in his dream job - and he has just won an "Olympic" medal for skills learnt training to be a plumber.

The day job sees him fitting boilers around Caerphilly county, and jokingly referred to as Super Mario by customers because of his moustache.

He now wants to inspire others to take up a trade, after returning from the WorldSkills competition - known as "the skills Olympics" to many taking part - with a silver medal.

Ruben, 22, joined 1,500 other competitors from 69 nations in Lyon, France, and is the only Welsh competitor to return with a medal.

The competition is for apprentices and students of vocational qualifications, and alongside plumbing and heating, participants display their talents in trades as diverse as carpentry, hairdressing and web design.

Ruben had always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, adding: “I’ve always wanted to be a plumber since helping carry my dad’s toolbox when I was six years of age.

"I was shaking when they called my name, It still hasn’t sunk in that I'm the second best plumber in the world.”

Ruben carried out his apprenticeship at the family plumbing company, Powerserv Limited, in Blackwood, Caerphilly county, and trained at Coleg y Cymoedd in nearby Ystrad Mynach.

He missed out on gold to China - and jokes he is holding off putting his prices up until he checks with his dad, and just wants to focus on being the best.

“I knew from a young age what I wanted to do, but in school I felt it was all about A-Levels, but that isn’t the road for everybody," he said.

"I’m passionate about apprenticeships. It’s the best way to learn a trade and businesses need to see the rewards of training apprentices.

"I’m doing what I want to do and have no student debt and I'm earning money.”

Ruben continued: “I just hope I can inspire other people into the industry, and that will help the UK as a whole, because other countries have run away with it in recent years and it’s time for UK plumbing to come back with strength.”

Team UK picked up 16 medals in Lyon, with WorldSkills UK Chief Executive Ben Blackledge describing the impact this will have.

"For Ruben to win a silver medal is a huge achievement," he said.

"Knowing you're one of the best in the world is massive to what you can go on to do next.

"It's been a real investment from the family business allowing Ruben time off to do training and competing, but they're already seeing rewards with Ruben's skill set and confidence levels benefitting the business."

Ruben had to follow a complex set of drawings for installing pipe work to a boiler and cylinder, which had to be carefully followed, with around 150 points for the judges to mark.

“To showcase your skills on a world stage there's nothing like it," he said.

"After spending a week in Lyon, up against some of the best in the world and to come out second, I'll never ever forget it for rest of my life.

"I've had so many customers texting me after winning the silver medal, which is great to see they appreciate my passion."

He added: "I just love plumbing day in and day out, my nan said to me, 'work a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life'."

Ruben and his brothers are installing a new boiler at the home of Lyn Hansford in Newbridge - she has been a customer for nearly 20 years.

"We're really proud of Ruben, these boys are replacing a system their dad installed in 2006 when they were all little boys," she said.

"We're just really proud he's doing so well."

The 22-year-old, has not only returned from Lyon with a medal but also a moustache, and customers have been comparing him to another famous plumber.

"He does look like Super Mario though with the moustache," Lyn joked.

Following Ruben’s success, the Welsh government announced Wales will host UK-wide finals next year, from which people can qualify for the WorldSkills competition in Japan in 2028.

It is for apprentices and students of vocational qualifications.

Skills Minister Jack Sargeant said: “As a former apprentice myself, earning whilst learning was a game-changer for me and apprentices like Ruben.

I'm proud that Wales will host the WorldSkills Finals UK 2025.

"I’m sure Ruben’s achievement this year and welcoming the national competition here next year will inspire many potential Welsh apprentices of the future.”