A STUDENT team from Uxbridge College has won a construction competition - working on a 20ft high rig to build the best solar-powered bathroom.

The team of 13 Building Services students worked over two days on the three-storey scaffolding tower – dubbed ‘The Big Rig’ and designed to represent a real building– competing against seven other colleges.

In the final they had to install a shower, wash basin and toilet system using as many low-carbon technologies and methods as possible.

The students, who are learning various skills including electrical installation and plumbing, beat the winners of the last four years, Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College. Lecturer Neil Benjamin-Miller said: “This is a fantastic result for our team - particularly as they beat the long-standing reigning champions. The Big Rig competition was a real challenge, with students working in as near as possible real conditions and that includes the freezing weather!

“The students showed real commitment and professionalism, putting into practice many of the skills they have learned on their courses at Uxbridge College. I am quite sure any one of them would be a real asset to any construction company.”

The team had to find a water supply for the bathroom, build a shower cubicle, install the wash basin and toilet system, and provide hot and cold water to the shower.

They were judged on criteria including the temperature of the water in the shower, economic use of materials, teamwork, and safe working practice.

They also took part in a number of mini-competitions including in speed brick-laying, plastering, drilling, and changing the wheels on a car.

The competition was held at the College of North West London to help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. The other colleges which took part were: Barking & Dagenham College; Harrow College; Havering College; Lambeth College, and Newham Catholic College.