What have you done since school?
When I left school I started to do a part time course in Plumbing at
Southampton City College. Once I had completed it, I had heard about
the apprenticeship scheme where you could gain hands-on experience in
the industry. I found myself an employer to do it with. Unfortunately,
the company I was working for got into some financial difficulties and
had to make me redundant. Myself and City Training worked hard together
to find another employer and I was fortunate enough to get an
apprenticeship with Kingfisher Plumbing & Heating.
What made you choose this career?
When we had career events at school I liked the sound of becoming a
Plumber and since the age of 15 I have wanted to do it. I knew I didn’t
want to work in an office, and my first choice was to become a plumber
but I would have looked into other construction trades as I wanted to
do a practical job.
What does your job involve?
Everyday varies for me at work, it really depends on what sort of job
we have been contracted to. I work on heating, hot and cold water and
under-floor heating. We also do construction work like fitting
bathrooms, tiling, redevelopment and building work. We only do work on
houses rather than business places.
What do you like about your job?
I am really happy in my work because my boss really looks after the
apprentices and the company is just really good to work for. We get to
go to different places all the time and do lots of different work,
which makes it enjoyable and we get to learn new skills all the time.
Where would you like to be in 3-5 years time?
I would like to fully qualified as a plumber and keep working for
Kingfisher. I am also keen to do more qualifications and I have heard
of a qualification that makes you a ‘master tradesman’ which I am
really interested in doing!
What would you say to encourage other people into doing an Apprenticeship?
I think that an apprenticeship sets you up for life, you have work experience but also qualifications to back you up!
How do you find the combination of work and studying?
I find that the apprenticeship programme works really well. I worked
hard at school and achieved my A-C grades which has meant I haven’t had
to do any key skills which has meant I can concentrate on my plumbing
college work and my job.
At college we learn the theory side of the job but at work I get to put
this into practise and I couldn’t imagine learning to be a skilled
plumber any other way!!
Anything else?
I think the apprenticeship scheme gives young people the ability to
gain qualifications without incurring big loans or having to pay
tuition fees! I feel I can just concentrate on my work and study and
not have to worry about anything financial!