Industry: Plumbing & Heating
Apprentice: Harry Timbrell, Thomas Gleeson-Smith and George Garside
Apprenticeship: Plumbing / Gas Apprenticeship

Harry had previously completed a part-time Level 2 Plumbing course before taking a couple of years out of education to work in the industry. He met his now employer Vic, of Vic’s Plumbing & Heating, by chance at a plumbing merchant.
“Vic asked me if I wanted a job and has taken me under his wing,” said Harry. “I knew I wanted to do practical work, nothing office-based, and so this seemed like a great opportunity.”
“I like going to College and learning a new skill. It’s good fun and the tutors will always help you if you have any problems.”
Harry’s experience so far as an apprentice has encouraged him to continue to build upon his current qualifications.
“I’ll look into a qualification in Oil once I’ve finished and then continue to study for more. I definitely want a career in gas and plumbing.
“I’d recommend apprenticeships; they’re a good way to build up a network while you are learning.”

Last year Thomas was completing a Level 1 Multi-Trade qualification, alongside one day a week of work experience with a local Plumber. When the summer holidays came around, Thomas went to work for an electrical company, but later found out about a local plumbing company who the College later put him in touch with.
Just two weeks into his new role with Vic’s Plumbing & Heating, Thomas said: “I’m really enjoying it. I’ve started on pipework, as well as fitting toilet frames and valves.
“I spend one day a week in College at the Plumbing & Gas Centre in Kempston where my tutor Richard is really helpful.
“Then when I’m back at work I enjoy having a schedule and getting the work done.”
Thomas plans to move on to the Level 3 qualification next and hopes to work for Vic’s company for some time, as he builds up his experience. His ultimate ambition is to start his own plumbing company.

When George finished school he knew he wanted to learn a trade; either plumbing or electric. He chose plumbing and enrolled on to the full-time Level 2 study programme at Bedford College. Towards the end of the qualification, his tutors recommended George for a Level 3 apprenticeship with local company, Vic’s Plumbing & Heating.
“I prefer the apprenticeship to studying full-time in College,” said George. “In College the tutors teach you how to do things, and they’re very good as they have all worked as plumbers in the past, but you learn a lot quicker on the job because you are faced with real life situations each day.”
Vic’s company take on all sorts of domestic work from new builds to complete renovations and George really enjoys being part of a team.
“It’s preparing me to one day be able to work for myself,” he said. “After the Level 3 I’m planning to train for some additional Gas modules including Gas Cookers and Appliances, while continuing with the company.”
To find out more about how Apprenticeships can help your organisation face future challenges, please telephone 01234 291747 or email training@bedford.ac.uk