Robert Scott

Robert Scott is training to become a plumber.

Trades World spoke to Robert to find out more about his life, changes, and future ambitions in the trades.

What did motivate you to pursue a career in the trades?  

I worked in the banking industry for 14 years. The finance sector was planning to relocate a lot of jobs outside the UK, places like India and similar locations around the world. So, I was thinking of a career change, retraining and doing something else that would allow me to become self-employed. Also, my grandfather used to be a plumber too.

Is that where you got your inspiration from?

I have always been good with my hands. I was a mechanical apprentice many years ago…it was kind of a natural progression for me to do something which I really enjoy.

How long have you been training now?

This will be my third year and it is actually my last week of the training. I am about to complete my full qualification this week.

What qualities does someone need to have in order to be a good plumber? 

You have to be willing to work with customers and demonstrate a great deal of professionalism. Good personal skills are essential, especially these days, whereas before I think you just had to be a good hard worker; these days you have to have much more customer-focussed skills, personal care as well as being very professional and someone who is really willing to work very hard.

Do you find some of your skills from your previous profession useful in the trades?   

Very much so…I worked within the management structures of the banking sector. So, I had to work with project managers, programme managers…all the way up to directors of branches and bigger organisation. My people skills coupled with my project management skills match very well into what I am going to do in the future…I would like to be self-employed and interact with customers.

How do you find the difference between the banking sector and the plumbing industry?

Working for so many years within the banking industry and being closely with the senior management team…made me very sick of the politics behind the decision making process. Now I am much happier when working for myself, it is much more satisfying and I don’t have anyone breathing behind my neck at the time, having to deliver or produce things within a timescale. You are still required to have good project management within plumbing industry as well, but the gratification of doing things for yourself is much more rewarding than in my previous job.

So, the job satisfaction element is definitely there, right?

Yes, very much so. I wouldn’t say I am an absolute perfectionist, but I have high quality standards which have been driven by the bank. This keeps me in a good state because the customers know when someone is doing a good quality job. If you don’t deliver good quality work, you can’t run a successful business and you won’t be a good plumber. But that is why we are here…to become excellent plumbers.

What do you think about the tutors in centre?

The tutors in centre are really helpful and they are second to none. They all have plenty of experience and are very approachable, so the communication with regards to the tutors is very good. The course work is quite lenient too and it’s not as difficult as others may think.

What is your plan after you finish your course and become fully qualified plumber?

I have already started my own business and I am a sole trader in regards to my own plumbing company, but I would like to expand it and employ other people. I will use my project management skills from the finance industry and I want to see my business to grow as fast as possible.