Andrew Kimberley

Andrew Kimberley is training to become a plumber.

Trades World spoke to Andrew 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 am good with my hands and enjoy doing practical work, but I was working in an office and decided to have a career change that would give me more satisfaction in my job.

What did interest you into the plumbing industry?

The plumbing industry is very interesting. It is great to do a day’s work and feel worthy afterwards. Now, we are entering our gas training which is even more interesting because it has some really exciting elements into it.

Has anyone of your family been in the trades before?

Yes, my uncle is in the building trades too. It is always helpful having someone next to you to give you an inside from the trades.

What is your employment history?

It has always been working in warehousing. At the moment I am logistics manager which involved sitting in an office and co-ordinating different services with our drivers.

What do you think are the most relevant skills from your profession that you find useful in the trades?   

Being self-motivated is always a very useful skill…you have to find the information yourself and be positive about learning new things.

How easy is for you to find the balance between the theoretical and the practical part of the course?

The tutors are excellent; they will help you understand both parts of the course. Rather than having to spend the whole day in a classroom, we are given the opportunity to apply in the workshop what we have learnt in our theoretical training. This is very beneficial for our professional development in the plumbing industry.

How do you prepare for the course?

Before students come to do the practical training, they should have a good understanding of the theory and what they are supposed to be doing. Then, the tutors will show you everything more in depth and explain anything that we don’t understand. When people are really interested in the course, then it is easy for them to pick things up.

What do you think are the most important qualities for becoming a good plumber?

They must have some interest in DIY work and then be willing to find information; it’s not going to just fall on your lap, you have to do the work for it.

What is your plan for the future and your greatest ambition?

When I finish the course and become fully qualified I want to be a gas-engineer. I want to have my own van and set up my own business. That way I will support my family and enjoy what I am doing at the same time.