At just 21 years old, Hannah Barrow is already making her mark as an apprentice plumber on the low-carbon heating track at London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC). Balancing college study with her apprenticeship at Your Energy Your Way, Hannah is combining hands-on practical skills with cutting-edge knowledge in sustainable energy systems.
Her dedication has already taken her far. Earlier this year, she became a finalist in the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition – a nationwide contest designed to showcase and celebrate young talent across technical and vocational skills. Hannah is the first student from a London college to achieve this honour in the plumbing category.
Choosing the green route
After completing her A-levels, Hannah initially considered the traditional university path, even securing a place at a top institution. But a gap year changed everything. During an internship with Your Energy Your Way, she discovered the world of renewable energy plumbing and was soon offered an apprenticeship.
“I’ve always liked working with my hands and being practical, but I also wanted to do something that makes a real difference,” says Hannah. “Low-carbon heating gives me the chance to do both.”
Her company specialises in whole-home renewable solutions — from heat pumps and solar PV to battery systems — all designed to help households reduce their carbon footprint. For Hannah, training at LSBTC was the natural choice, as the college offers a dedicated pathway in low-carbon heating rather than the traditional gas-based plumbing and heating route.
Learning in sync with the workplace
Hannah spends one day a week at college and four days on site, gaining real-world experience while developing the theory and technical knowledge she needs to excel.
“What I learn at college lines up directly with what I’m doing at work,” she explains. “That’s really encouraging, because I know I’m getting the right skills for the job.”
Her training covers everything from pipework and system design to the specialist tickets and qualifications required to work with renewable systems. By the time she completes her apprenticeship, Hannah will hold an NVQ Level 3 in Low Carbon Heating, along with additional industry accreditations.
Rising to the challenge of WorldSkills
When her tutor, Danny Smith, signed up the class for WorldSkills UK, Hannah embraced the opportunity. She sailed through the local and regional rounds and will now represent LSBTC at the national finals later this year.
The competition tests classic plumbing tasks — from installing radiators and cylinders to precision pipework under timed conditions. For Hannah, it’s been both a challenge and a chance to shine.
“You never know if your system is perfect until you test it,” she recalls. “When mine held pressure, I knew I’d done well. That was such a great moment.”
While she admits tackling boilers is outside her usual heat pump expertise, she has welcomed the chance to expand her knowledge. With strong support from her tutors and employer, she is already preparing mentally and technically for the national stage.
A future full of possibilities
Looking ahead, Hannah is keen to qualify as a full engineer and one day lead projects from start to finish. She’s also keeping the door open to running her own business. But for now, she is focused on building her skills and making the most of every opportunity her apprenticeship brings.
Her advice to other young people considering an apprenticeship?
“Do it. You won’t regret it. If you’re even thinking about it, that already tells you so much about yourself. Apprenticeships give you practical skills, variety, and a career that makes a difference.”
Hannah’s story is proof of how determination, the right training, and a passion for sustainability can take students from the classroom to national competition stages — and potentially even further.
👉 Find out more about Plumbing and Green Skills courses at London South Bank Technical College.
