Four years as a volunteer fire fighter have helped 22 year old Robert Heriot earn the 2004 National Dux of the Year award for plumbing apprentices.

The third year apprentice studying at Regency Institute of TAFE in SA served in the 2003 New South Wales and Victorian bushfires and also won the Peter Stacy Award for the most improved firefighter.

Dux Hot Water general manager Les Patterson says Heriot is a great example of Dux of the year.

“He puts into practice the qualities we support in plumbing apprentices through this competition.”

Heriot’s practicality, efficiency and service-based attitude were widely recognised and combined with his academic performance saw him claim the Dux of the Year trophy, which is a gold plated wrench, in addition to a $3000 cash prize.