Gary Barker

Gary Barker is training to become a plumber.

Trades World spoke to Gary 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 have been working in the manufacturing industry for a very long time. I enjoy plumbing and as I am getting older… I wanted to have a formal qualification, but also the confidence to go out and work for different customers.

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

I have an engineering degree. I have done a lot of the practical things including handling the tools and using different materials as well the theoretical knowledge of the trades.

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

I think it is like any job…you have to pride your work and do a good job, listen to what the customer wants and fulfilling their needs because if you do that, they will come back again, again and again. I never try to cut corners and always strive to do an excellent job.

Have you done plumbing work for customers?

I have done plumbing for friends and family, but I have never taken money for it. So, it has always been something that I have enjoyed doing and a trade I want to specialise in. The course is now formalising those desires and allowing me to go out as a professional plumber.

Would you like to be employed by someone else or work for yourself?

At the moment it is early days. I am happy to work for somebody else and gain more experience, but I am also open to the idea of setting up my own business one day.

What do you think about the tutors in centre?

They are practical people with solid deal of experience in the trades. This is very helpful because when you are new to the trades, as we are, it is nice to know that the tutors can help you make that connection between the practical and the theoretical training. So, not only you are doing the work to an acceptable standard, but you are also doing it both legally and professionally.

What advice would you give to people considering a career in the trades?

I would tell people to enter the trades because of their enthusiasm and passion for the profession.