Roxanne, Plumbing and Heating Apprentice

Plumbing apprentice working on a bath

Roxanne Hunt, age 17, Chorley Plumbing and Heating

"When I’m at work I get involved in soldering pipework and laying it, fitting taps, baths, sinks and radiators. I really feel like a member of the team."

Roxanne, Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship working in workshopI knew I wanted to go into a trade as I wanted to study something where I could see the finished article. It was my family that suggested Plumbing would be a good subject to study, plus it’s a job for life as there will always be a need for Plumbers.

I initially studied Plumbing as a full-time student last year as I wanted time to develop confidence in the subject. However, I really wanted to get that practical experience and see how it happens in person. So I decided to get some work experience to help further my knowledge so I would be ready to start an Apprenticeship. Getting this experience certainly helped!

I knew I needed to find an employer to do an Apprenticeship so I decided to contact a local merchants as a way of getting my leaflets out to Plumbers. I also contacted Plumbers directly too. All my hard work paid off through as I had around six companies contact me about a potential Apprenticeship opportunity! I eventually settled on a position at Chorley Plumbing and Heating

I absolutely love my Apprenticeship, I love getting out there and meeting the customers. I’ve never been phased by the fact there aren’t more females on the course. I feel like more should consider Plumbing as a career.

When I’m at work I get involved in soldering pipework and laying it, fitting taps, baths, sinks and radiators. I really feel like a member of the team.

I was nervous at the start of my Apprenticeship especially when I first used a drill. I could have ruined a customer’s wall! Now I am well in to my Apprenticeship I feel a lot more confident. 
To be a good apprentice you need to be committed and professional, especially in this industry. You can’t turn up for work late.

At the end of this Apprenticeship I want to progress on to the Level 3 and then secure my gas certificate. This will enable me to set up my own company in the future.

I’d say to anyone thinking about an Apprenticeship is to go for it. I wish I’d done it sooner. Sometimes it’s better to be thrown in at the deep end. It’s the best way to learn and you can apply what you learn in the classroom in a practical setting.