Success is in the pipeline for Max
WHEN Max Donohue decided he wanted to pursue a trade, he was torn between plumbing and electrics.
But after enjoying two weeks’ work experience at Pimlico Plumbers, the 19-yearold, from Biggin Hill, South London, decided he would apply for an apprenticeship.
Max, who recently finished his three-year training course and now works full-time for Pimlico Plumbers, says: ‘As an apprentice, I spent four days a week with the plumbers and one at college. To start with I practised skills and learned by watching my mentor as he worked on real jobs.
‘I could be working on site for the whole day or moving from job to job.’
Max attended Bexley College, South-East London, working towards an NVQ level 2 in plumbing in which he was instructed in heating systems, booster pumps, copper work and low-carbon steel.
‘We were also acquainted with health- and- safety practices and the college provided opportunities to learn other core skills with my college tutor,’ he says.
‘I now have my own Pimlico Plumbers van and work on my own or with a team on more complicated projects. With further training, I can qualify as a Gas Safe heating engineer.
‘An apprenticeship was the right choice for me. It taught me how to deal with different situations and that being flexible and adaptable is key.
‘One day you might be ripping out a kitchen and the next you could be called out to an emergency with water pouring everywhere!’
Hundreds of providers across the country also offer skilled trades courses for men and women who want a quick refresher as well as those opting for career changes.
Chris Goss retrained as a locksmith after working for 30 years in accountancy and IT. The 52-year-old, who runs Averkey Locksmiths Ltd in Danbury, Essex, was inspired to change careers after being forced to get a replacement car key.
Last winter, he completed a two- day UK Locksmiths Association course. It not only covered the essentials to set up as a mobile locksmith, including rim cylinder and mortice lock picking and fitting, key cutting, garage locks and window locks, but provided good advice on starting a business.