BBC
The only job Ruben ever wanted to do was plumbing
With no student debt, Ruben Duggan is working in his dream job – and just won an Olympic medal for the skills he learned while training to be a plumber.
At his day job he assembles boilers in Caerphilly County and is jokingly called “Super Mario” by customers because of his moustache.
Now he wants to inspire others to take up a career after returning from the WorldSkills competition – known to many participants as the Skills Olympics – 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 aimed at trainees and students of vocational qualifications. In addition to plumbing and heating, participants show their talent in professions as diverse as carpentry, hairdressing and web design.
Ruben has always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, adding: “I've always wanted to be a plumber since I helped carry my dad's toolbox when I was six.
“I was shaking when they called my name. I still haven’t realized that I’m the second best plumber in the world.”
Family photo
Young Ruben carries his father's toolbox, shaping his future ambitions
Ruben trained at the family plumbing company Powerserv Limited in Blackwood, Caerphilly County, and completed an apprenticeship at Coleg y Cymoedd in nearby Ystrad Mynach.
He missed the price of gold after China – and jokes he's hesitant to raise prices until he checks with his father and just wants to focus on being the best.
“I knew what I wanted to do from a young age, but at school I felt like it was just about getting a high school diploma, but that’s not the path for everyone,” he said.
“The training is very important to me. It is the best way to learn a trade and companies need to recognize the benefits of training apprentices.”
“I do what I want to do, have no student debt and make money.”
Ruben continued: “I just hope that I can inspire other people into the industry and that will help the UK as a whole because other countries have run away in recent years and it's time for British plumbing to get back on track achieve new success.”
Team UK won 16 medals in Lyon. WorldSkills UK chief executive Ben Blackledge described the impact this will have.
“It’s a big achievement for Ruben to win a silver medal,” he said.
“Knowing that you are among the best in the world is very important for what you can do next.”
“It was a real investment from the family business to give Ruben some time off to train and compete, but they are already seeing Ruben’s skills and confidence benefiting the business.”
WorldSkills UK
Ruben installed plumbing as part of the competition
Ruben had to follow a complex set of drawings for installing pipes on a boiler and cylinder which had to be followed carefully, with the jury awarding around 150 points.
“There is nothing like being able to showcase your skills on a world stage,” he said.
“After spending a week in Lyon, competing against some of the best in the world and coming second, I will never forget it for the rest of my life.”
“After winning the silver medal, so many customers texted me. It’s nice to see that they appreciate my passion.”
He added: “I love plumbing every day. My grandma told me, 'Work a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life'.”
WorldSkills UK
Ruben Duggan won silver at the “Trade Olympics” in Lyon
Ruben and his brothers are installing a new boiler at Lyn Hansford's home in Newbridge – she has been a customer for almost 20 years.
“We are really proud of Ruben. These boys are replacing a system their father installed in 2006 when they were all young boys,” she said.
“We are just very proud that he is doing so well.”
The 22-year-old has returned from Lyon not only with a medal but also with a moustache, and customers are comparing him to another famous plumber.
“He looks like Super Mario with the mustache, though,” joked Lyn.
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