MRB Plumbing and Heating has been in operation for 3 years and decided this year to recruit an apprentice, we sat down with Kate, Matt and Connor their apprentice to discuss how this is going and their advice to others.

This is your first apprentice in the business why did you choose this route?

There were a few reasons we decided now was the right time, the business is growing fast and we need the extra help. We had hired others in the past but it wasn’t the right fit, they weren’t up to the standard of our business. We felt an apprentice would be a good idea as we can train Connor in the way our business works and this will help our business grow in the process.

What advice would you give to other employers considering an apprenticeship?

We would say it would be a good idea to research different training providers. But it is a great way to support a young person, I like the modern approach of an apprenticeship, there isn’t anything I would ask Connor to do that I wouldn’t do myself, the sooner I can leave him to do work by himself the more our business can grow.

Connor did you always plan to undertake an apprenticeship?

I always wanted to do plumbing, whilst I got the grades to attend Sixth Form I wanted to be doing something more hands on and learn through doing not sat in the classroom. I started College on a 1 year course, this should have been 3 days a week but due to Covid I could only attend 1 day and have online lessons for 1 day. Therefore, I started working with Matt on a 2 month work trial and then we decided to start the apprenticeship. I would say to others looking to start an apprenticeship don’t be afraid to ask questions when working.