Plumber apprentices learning on the job

By Ian Dipple Friday 28 March 2014 Updated: 28/03 09:01

Buy photos Coun Mark Shurmer with tenth apprentice Pete OSullivan. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1214002MMR

THE NEXT generation of plumbers are honing their skills on the job with the help of Redditch Borough Council.

So far ten apprentice plumbers from NEW College have been given the opportunity to learn their trade by working alongside members of the councils maintenance teams.

They have been carrying out a range of improvement work to some of the 6,000 plus council homes the authority is responsible for.

Coun Mark Shurmer, responsible for housing on the council, said: Redditch Borough Council is delighted to continue its commitment to improving skills and opportunities in the borough.

It is in all of our interests to support the next generation of local tradespeople to earn their stripes in real life working environments.

The apprenticeships were among those created as part of a council-run campaign last year which was backed by the Standard and encouraged businesses across Redditch to create at least 50 apprenticeships in 50 days.

Ian Doust, from MPower Training Solutions who manage the plumbing provision at NEW College, added: Its been an exciting project working with the borough council maintenance teams, who have offered such strong support to our students in helping them get real world experience to support their studies.

All of our plumbing students have thoroughly enjoyed their time on site and the support and guidance they have received from council plumber Dan Turner has been immensely valuable. I look forward to continuing to work together on this project, and we are thrilled by the possibilities this project is opening up for our students.

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Plumber apprentices learning on the job