Apprentices keep show on the road
TEENAGERS Tayler Phelps and Abbie Rose are among dozens of apprentices at Pimlico Plumbers.
Tayler, 17, and Abbie, 19, are both body shop apprentices and mechanics, working in the company’s garage in Central London, repairing and servicing its fleet of more than 250 vehicles.
Apprentices at the home services company earn and learn across a range of departments.
Since January, 18 new apprentices have started, swelling their numbers to 68 — with the total set to reach 75 by the end of the year. The apprentices also spend one day a week at London South East College.
The heating and plumbing apprentices start on a Level Two programme, progressing to Level Three with the aim of completing within four years.
Electrical apprentices start at Level Three and also complete their training within four years.
Abbie praised her apprenticeship scheme, saying it’s the ‘best route into a skilled career’. She says: ‘It’s hard work, but you get so much out of it. Although it’s a male- dominated industry, it hasn’t affected me.
‘People are often surprised by what I do, but I’m proud of my career and in taking the leap into such a vital training route. I recommend it to those thinking about starting an apprenticeship
— it’s definitely the best way into a trade.’
Tayler adds: ‘Being an apprentice mechanic, Abbie inspired me to go for it and apply myself. It was my best decision and I love my job.’
The recruitment drive at Pimlico Plumbers bucks the national trend, which last year saw a significant drop in the number of people starting apprenticeships in the first three months after the introduction of the apprenticeship levy. The purpose of the levy, launched in April 2017, is to encourage employers to invest in apprenticeship programmes.
Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, says the national drop in apprenticeship take-up was ‘disappointing’.
He adds: ‘Apprenticeships are essential to our society. They don’t just offer life- changing opportunities for our young people, but also address youth delinquency, improve social mobility and deliver on the bottom line. I started off as an apprentice and I’ve never looked back.
‘I owe everything to my apprenticeship and believe they should be at the heart of the country’s drive to equip people with the skills employers so need.’
pimlicoplumbers.com