Rising Star finalists

Daisy Turner

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Qualifications

• Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating – 2018
• Level 3 Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating, with Gas Pathway – expected to finish this year

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

I have been very active in completing additional training, in person and online, to continually improve my knowledge and understanding of the industry.

I regularly attend PPDS (Plumbing Professionals Development Scheme) sessions twice a month, which include both catch-up and technical training led by Jerry Whiteley. These sessions have covered a wide range of topics and manufacturers, including Baxi, Danfoss, Mixergy, MCS, Nepal water systems, and Polypipe.

Alongside this, I have attended a number of manufacturer training days, including with Viessmann, Hansgrohe, Fernox, Grundfos, and Polypipe. I am also due to attend training with Intergas in April. These training days are invaluable for getting hands-on experience with the appliances and also hearing tips on installation or troubleshooting. I’ve been able to apply a lot of what I’ve learned in these sessions to my studies and my approach on site.

I have taken part in several webinars through CIPHE, covering topics such as hot water storage, improving efficiency and end-user comfort through system balancing with Danfoss, redefining the role of the plumber, and an introduction to low-temperature heating systems. I have also attended a Powered Now webinar focused on Making Tax Digital, which gave me a useful insight into future requirements within the industry.

In addition, I was involved in many events throughout 2025. I attended the WCoP annual lecture in May 2025 which gave me plenty to think about. Then for Installer Show in June 2025, I took part in lots of activities to gain experience and support those attending, for example being a part of focus groups and support on the Grundfos and Polypipe stands.

Going to Screwfix Live in September 2025, a CIPHE event in early 2026 and an IPG x CIPHE apprenticeships event in February 2026, where I was able to share my own apprenticeship experience helped to further my understanding in lots of different areas too. I also completed a Polypipe factory tour in July 2025, which gave me a better understanding of how materials are produced and used in practice.

A particularly rewarding experience was a 19-day trip to Nepal in November 2025. During this time, I learned about different approaches to plumbing, as well as gaining an appreciation for the local way of life, culture, and religion. It was an invaluable experience that has stayed with me. Furthermore, in March 2026, I received my Journeyman certificate from the WCoP, CIPHE and City and Guilds. This was incredibly meaningful and felt like a great recognition of the work I’ve been dedicating to my studies and my abilities.

Through all of these opportunities, I have consistently pushed myself to improve. I regularly apply what I have learned on site, whether that is balancing heating systems, selecting and installing the correct materials, or understanding new technologies. The Baxi sessions on renewable technologies were particularly valuable, with the trainer providing clear explanations and answering all of my questions in detail.

Overall, I am committed to continuous learning and development, and I make a conscious effort to take every opportunity available to build my knowledge and become the best engineer I can be. I’m due to speak at the World Plumbing Conference at Installer Show 2026 and I’m really excited!

 

What advice would you offer to other apprentices on how you can be better than your average learner?

Since day one of my apprenticeship, I have gone outside the box, putting myself forward for all different competitions, additional CPD as well as being part of the Professional Plumbing Development Scheme (PPDS).

I was asked to be an ambassador and mentor students at my college, because of my success through my competition journeys and therefore mentor through competitions and I’ve revisited past competitions. I’ve also judged internal competitions at my college giving me the chance to speak to students starting their career. The competition was an internal plumbing challenge that resulted in the winner receiving a place in the intercollege. I loved being on the judging panel and seeing the work that goes into the awards.

In May 2025 I was a webinar panellist with Trustmark discussing findings of their report into the construction industry. I’ve recently started to work with brands incl. Grundfos, Polypipe and Scruffs workwear as their ambassadors. When I was at Installer Show 2025, I had other brands approach me regarding working with them to build my experience with their products. As some of the brands didn’t align with my work, I have started my own ‘project’, which is that I’m working with brands to help build the college workshop.

I’m working alongside my college and the manufacturers to work out how these companies can support the much-needed revamp of the workshop and other facilities. It is currently in a very poor state which has had a negative impact on all the students, including myself, which as you can imagine causes great frustration to all the students and employers. By doing so I hope to improve the experience for all the students that follow. I’m lucky enough to have lots of people help me throughout my journey supporting my learning experience. Now I feel like I would want to pay that forward and I already feel like I have achieved a lot, but my work is far from finished.

 

How have you positively impacted your employer and added value?

From the beginning of my journey with [name of company] Toucan Heating and Plumbing Ltd. I’ve always been passionate about being the best I can be, not only for myself but for my employer. I started my journey on the tools full time for 18 months with [company] Toucan before starting college, which I found gave me the advantage when it came to enrolling on my qualifications.

It gave me the head start of basic plumbing and heating, allowing me to relate what I was learning in the classroom to real life scenarios. Since starting my qualification I’ve been given some incredible opportunities, I never dreamed of being a part of, such as Polypipe manufacturing site visits, flying to Denmark to explore the Grundfos history and manufacturing as well as being invited to the House of Lords to discuss Trustmark’s research case studies and being given the chance to volunteer out in Nepal to install the facilities to provide 24/7 access to fresh clean drinking water.

I’m incredibly lucky to have my employers support through all these ventures, with them being just as invested in their own CPD as they are in mine. They’ve accompanied me to WCoP annual lectures, manufacturers training days as well as award ceremonies. This not only benefits my own CPD, their knowledge of the ever-evolving industry and our ability to tailor the business to the growing needs of our customers.

 

Please tell us about 2-3 jobs you’ve done on your own without your boss advising you in any way

As I’m coming to the end of my apprenticeship, I have been given more freedom in that I’ve started to be in charge of my own jobs.

One of the jobs that springs to mind is a house renovation that I worked on. This was an extension with a lot of modifications, as the little girl living in the family home was dealing with lifelong issues. She has a very rare kidney disease where her kidneys are failing. At just 10 years old she’s is due to have a kidney transplant from her dad who is a match. The operation is due to take place in the near future so the work on the house had to be complete so the family’s life could be as normal as possible while having their world turned upside down. The extension was all to enable the dialysis machines to fit in for the period of time she’d be without kidneys, I had to discuss where to position radiators to suit their needs and discuss layout of the machines as they need to be kept at a constant temperature. I added 3 radiators onto the system, moved 3 radiators. This was all after I completed the heat loss calculations.

While on the project I installed the new cloakroom, family bathroom and Ensuite, as well as running pipework for the kitchen and utility sink, all part of the modifications to help the family cope with such a big change in their life. I had to ensure I kept the job particularly clean and dust free with extractors and hoovers, due to the need of the customers, as her medication meant she had a very low immune system so was often home from school as too poorly to attend. I organised the materials for the job, some delivered but often picked up of from Merchants an evening ready for the next day.

The next job the springs to mind is more recent where extension work is being done. I had to relocate radiators due to the rooms getting divided. Other radiators are also getting moved into different positions as well as underfloor being installed in the extension. It wasn’t plain sailing as when I turned up to the job the prep work from the builders was poorly done so I had to think quickly and alter and finish the prep work of the Celotex sheets to be able to fit the underfloor heating. The underfloor heating install had to be done quickly as I had other jobs that day, so had to work efficiently.

As the extension is built off the wall the boiler used to flue out of, the boiler needed to be moved as well. So, I ran in new MLCP pipework under the screed to the new boiler position so that there weren’t any joints in the floor so no risk of leaks in the floor. Running this MLCP wasn’t an easy task due to change of elevation from the old boiler position in the bathroom into the extension and then into the garage. I had to drill at an angle to find the right height between the 2 rooms.

 

Please tell us why you think you should win this award

What sets me apart from other apprentices is my passion for the industry and my interest in improving the training facilities available to further improve the future apprentices and training that they will receive. I want to make it more relevant with up-to-date equipment and products from brands and manufacturers well recognised in the industry getting direct contact with the colleges and students.

I’ve always pushed to be the best and put myself into CPD sessions and put myself forward for multiple competitions to further develop my exposure and experience to different scenarios and challenges as well as different ways of working and materials. When I complete my Gas qualification I hope to get involved in some renewables training to further develop my knowledge gained from the basics in my plumbing qualification and the few installs, I have been a part of. I’m very proud of all I’ve accomplished so far and believe that I have consistently outperformed my peers but I have also gained the respect of my peers as a result. By winning this award it would be an opportunity to be an ambassador for excellence within this industry.

As I approach the end of my apprenticeship it would be an incredible high to finish on and begin the rest of my career.

Connie Pawsey

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Qualifications

Currently doing the Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship.

(London Southbank college) (NOCN) (expected to complete July 2027)

Alongside this qualification, I am also working towards gaining my Gas Safe certification (“gas ticket”).

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

• HeatGeek
• First Aid training
• Hareness training
• Health and Safety level 2
• Attended the National Apprenticeship Awards
• Attended and spoke at the Liverpool ATC (Apprenticeship Training Conference), where I delivered a talk with NOCN about my views on apprenticeships after being invited through LinkedIn. I spoke in front of 40 people about how apprenticeships are a different world now compared to previous generations.
• Quantum heat pump training (delivered in college)
• Hands-on training with live ground source heat pump systems – my training centre is currently the only college in the UK with a live ground source system, meaning we get to physically work on it rather than just learning theory.

 

What advice would you offer to other apprentices on how you can be better than your average learner?

Ask for the work. If you know it is a point of coverage in your curriculum, always ask.

As an apprentice, it’s easy to end up standing around watching. I personally learn much better by being involved. For example, I’d watched a cylinder cupboard being piped up around 100 times. One day, I simply asked if I could join in and be part of it, and from that moment, my knowledge increased massively.

Another example was when I was working with a heat pump engineer: I asked if I could map the system out myself rather than just observe. That hands-on involvement helped me understand the system properly. It was all checked after to make sure it was done correctly.

Sometimes it can be difficult for employers to find meaningful tasks for apprentices, but it’s important to show genuine interest. When you actively ask questions and request responsibility, you stand out from the crowd.

 

How have you positively impacted your employer and added value?

 I’ve added value to my employer through promotional work and raising awareness of the trade, particularly in renewables.

I run a TikTok account called Heatinghoney, where I promote women working on site and in the renewable sector. One of my videos reached over 70,000 views, with women engaging directly and asking how to get into the industry.

I’ve worked on site for two years and have never met another woman on site, which I don’t have a problem with, but I use my platform to talk openly about PPE, workwear and how much of it isn’t designed for women’s bodies, (I share reviews and my opinion on comfortable site wear) sharing my experiences to support and encourage others.

I also talk about business, renewables and industry developments, and I’ve been on Fix Radio with Andy Cam and Todd Glister to help bring attention to renewables. I am also speaking on International Women’s Day to promote the message that getting into the trades isn’t scary and is absolutely achievable.

Recently, while travelling to London for my course, I met two young women during a plumbing class. I encouraged them to share their CVs on LinkedIn, reshared them myself, and they both secured jobs the very same day. That shows the power of promoting ourselves and supporting other women into the industry.

Within my first year, I’ve learned a huge amount. I am now trusted to install radiators independently (with final checks carried out afterwards). I also assist with heat pump servicing, carrying out on-site calculations with my partner, which are then sent to the company for review, and 9 times out of 10, they are correct. That level of independence shows the trust I’ve built with the customer.

 

Please tell us about 2-3 jobs you’ve done on your own without your boss advising you in any way

One example is piping and hanging radiators independently. My process includes:

1. Taking all measurements (including height from floor level and pipe positioning).
2. Marking out and fixing wall brackets accurately.
3. Hanging the radiator and ensuring it is centred to the pipework or window for a neat finish.
4. Running and adjusting pipework so it looks clean and symmetrical.
5. Completing and testing the radiator installation.

Another example was the Wimbledon project, where we installed solar thermal panels on the roof.

The client wanted a renewable source to heat one of the buildings (a gym). The solar thermal system heats water via roof panels, which then feeds into the plant room and supplies the building.

This was the first solar thermal installation for our company, so it was a learning experience for all of us. The project was featured as part of a BBC renewables segment. It taught me about a different type of renewable energy outside of heat pumps.

On this project:

• I mapped out where the buffer tank would be positioned within the plant room
• My layout was checked afterwards and was largely correct

 

Please tell us why you think you should win this award

I always go above and beyond with my work, no matter how hard I always push the boundary to make sure it is neat and most importantly works well, no matter how long it takes.

For me, it’s not just about making something function. It has to work well and look right. The customer is always at the front of my mind, they’re the ones living with the system every day.

I look for ways to improve, get involved, promote the industry and encourage others into it. I represent not only my employer, but also the future of renewables and women in the trade. That’s why I believe I stand out as an apprentice.

I was originally indirectly turned away and advised to go to university and avoid the trade industry since it was “for men with no GCSEs.” So, I sat my A-levels, did really well, and still decided it was something I wanted to do. So, I put out a post on LinkedIn when I was 18 which was shared by Adam Chapman, who is Chief Heat Geek, where I obtained 10 job offers over 2 weeks, all wanting to take on apprentices. I met with Patrick from VitoEnergy (now my boss) and they took me on in September 2024. I think this demonstrates that you should not give up even if people don’t think the job will be the right fit for you – especially since I am really enjoying it.

Jessica Buck

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Qualifications

• Asbestos Awareness 2021,2022,2023,2024,2025
• Manual Handling 2021,2022,2023,2024,2025
• Health and Safety Level 2 – 2021,2023,2025
• Working at Heights 2021,2022,2023,2024,2025
• Dealing with tenants who have more specialist needs 2024,2025
• Mental Health First Aider 2025

2021-Present (Expected to finish this year, completing at Norwich City College)

I have been completing my apprenticeship with Gasway Service Ltd. I have absolutely loved every minute of this and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves.

2020-2021

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, I have used my time studying online to gain a Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating Installer Level 3.

2019-2020

Suffolk New College BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Distinction)

2006-2019

St. Felix School, Southwold GCSEs: Photography (A), Physics (6), English Literature (6), Maths (5), English Language (5), Biology (5), French (4)

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

In the past year, I have been seeking out opportunities to develop professionally. I’ve engaged in a wide range of professional development, covering technical competence, safety, personal growth, and customer care.

I am part of the CIPHE Plumbing Professional Development Scheme, an invitation-only programme that brings people together via regular monthly catch-ups, supplier and manufacturer talks, and industry discussions. Being part of this scheme has been genuinely eye-opening.

Prior to joining, I was very focused on my day-to-day role, often carrying out similar types of work week to week. The scheme has broadened my perspective on the industry as a whole, challenged my thinking, and highlighted the many opportunities available to develop and apply my skills in different ways. As a result, I have attended more events, connected with more people across the sector, and become far more proactive in shaping my own career development.

I have also completed Asbestos Awareness training, which I have attended annually since 2021. This training has been invaluable in helping me identify asbestos-containing materials, understand where they are commonly found, and apply appropriate caution on site. It plays a key role in preventing accidental exposure and protecting both myself and tenants on a day-to-day basis.

Manual Handling training, refreshed annually since 2021, is mandatory within my company and has had a direct impact on how I work. It has increased my awareness of posture, movement, and safe lifting techniques. One of the most valuable takeaways has been correct lifting stance, which I consciously apply almost every day, and which has significantly reduced my risk of injury, I’ve also been able to share tips with my colleagues.

I have also completed Health and Safety Level 2 training, refreshed every two years since 2021. This covers a wide range of general health and safety principles and helps ensure I approach every job with confidence, consistency, and a focus on risk prevention.

Working at Height training, attended annually since 2021, has been particularly impactful in changing my mindset. Understanding that any work above ground level constitutes working at height – regardless of distance – has made me far more aware of risk and reinforced the importance of proper planning and control measures.

One of the most meaningful courses I have attended focused on working with tenants who have specialist needs. This training helped me better understand how medical conditions, disabilities, and mental health challenges can affect how tenants experience works being carried out in their homes. It reinforced the importance of considering the individual, not just the logistics of the job, and has made me far more aware of how to adapt my approach to help tenants feel safe, comfortable, and supported.

In 2025, I also became a Mental Health First Aider. This decision was driven by real-life experiences on site. As a female installer, I have had tenants feel able to confide in me in ways they had not previously felt comfortable doing. One particular experience involved a tenant disclosing that she was a victim of domestic violence and had not felt able to speak to male operatives. That experience motivated me to undertake the training so I could better support people in similar situations. I am proud to have been able to help, and I value having the knowledge to respond appropriately and safely when needed.

In addition to formal training, I actively challenge myself through competitions and wider industry involvement. I competed in the HIP Competition 2025, reaching the Midlands regional heats and becoming the Midlands regional winner. This experience significantly boosted my confidence and opened many new doors within the industry. I have been invited back this year as a guest, which I see as a real privilege.

I also entered the WorldSkills UK Competition 2025, progressing through the entry stage and into the heats. Although I was unable to continue due to hand surgery, the experience was incredibly positive and further reinforced my desire to keep developing my skills.

Alongside this, I am a member of the Screwfix Panel, where I contribute to surveys and stay informed about new products entering the market. I was also due to attend the Installer Show 2025, but unfortunately had to miss it due to surgery. I am very much looking forward to attending in 2026.

 

What advice would you offer to other apprentices on how you can be better than your average learner?

Never give up! I will always use my story. I originally attended the HIP Female Skills Competition in 2024. It was a brilliant day that I thoroughly enjoyed but I didn’t place that time. I couldn’t help getting in the van that evening feeling gutted and a bit devastated. I wanted to show everyone I could do it and I knew I could have done better. This gave me a new determination.

I went back to work and started arriving to site early and staying late, I started to use my free time to learn and better myself and, even at a very large company, I started to get noticed. A year later, I was back at the Midlands regional heat but this time, I was confident and I won. I was so proud of myself and what I had achieved. My company were so proud of me too. My college wanted me to be on their stand at the Royal Norfolk Show, to tell future apprentices what they could achieve too, and my company gave me opportunities I never thought would be possible. This all came from one competition! The apprenticeship not only gave me a job, it gave me a purpose, a belief and most importantly a family. You’ve got to believe in yourself and work hard enough to find yourself a network like I did with the amazing people at the HIP Competition where I have made lifelong friends.

 

How have you positively impacted your employer and added value?

I am hard working and I go above and beyond to help my tenants.

I stay late, arrive early and will always be the first one to volunteer to pick up that extra job or go out of my way to help the team but I strongly believe, its not only the big things that positively impact my employer, instead it’s all the little things, the things that sometimes go unnoticed.

I feel proud the minute I get in the van. As soon as I put on my uniform I am no longer doing things for myself but instead become part of a family, one where we all look out for each other. We are a large company and get recognised, so as soon as I get in my van I know I am representing them whether that’s going to the competitions or attending to a job. I will always help our tenants out whether that’s with their heating or something completely unrelated that’s bothering them. A company is only as good as it’s employees and I always have that in my mind.

I am also able to add that personal touch for customers, helping the quality of their lives overall because they frequently feel able to confide in me if they have concerns or questions about the job. So I also help my employer to do a job that truly fits the customer’s needs and preferences by facilitating that communication – particularly with female customers who can feel intimidated by male operatives.

 

Please tell us about 2-3 jobs you’ve done on your own without your boss advising you in any way

Job 1

I was given the task of moving an unvented cylinder from a lounge into a bedroom. The tenant had recently become disabled, and the bathroom was now having to be adapted into a wet room for her which meant that the bathroom had to be extended into the cylinder cupboard in the lounge space. I was given 5 days to do this. During day 1 I couldn’t help but watch her struggle and realised how much she needed the adaption and how quickly she needed it doing. With her permission and with support from my company, I stayed very late and arrived to site very early. By doing this I completed the project within 3 days which allowed the wet room fitters to work on the 2 days that I should have still been there. She was incredibly grateful which gave me a lot of job satisfaction.

 

Job 2

I was very honoured to be part of the new Ideal Heating Training Centre. This involved me working on my own installing an air source heat pump with an unvented cylinder. We had a plan but throughout the project I had my own designs to make the job as aesthetically- pleasing and user friendly as possible. I made sure Ideal were happy with these which they were. This felt like a real achievement for me as, not only was I working on my own, on a project that will be used to train up their own staff, but also that they liked my ideas and they wanted to use them.

 

Please tell us why you think you should win this award

I am determined and just want to keep bettering myself. I want to show everyone that I’ve got what it takes. I have had a few knock backs, but I’ve got back up. The competitions have been brilliant, but I just love what I do on a day-to-day basis and that is helping people.

From a young age I wanted to be a heating engineer that would give back. I wanted to do work for people that couldn’t otherwise afford it or people with health issues and now I’m doing that, I can honestly say it’s the most rewarding job. I would love to have my own business where I can support people with heath issues like me – by helping them when they are in their hour of need, whatever day or time. No one should go without heating or hot water just because of money or other issues. Sometimes the job can be a bit upsetting too, I’m not just a heating engineer, I’m sometimes the only face that our tenant might have seen or feel able to talk to in a long time and I am always there for that. I wear my Mental Health First Aider lanyard with pride and want them to feel safe. The company have helped me out a lot and have always been there when times have got tough so that’s why I am so determined to make them and myself proud now. It’s my time to give back and that’s why it would mean so much to be recognised for my work.

Sam Mberi

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Qualifications

• GCSEs – 2023 ( inc. Maths, English Science)
• C&G Diploma in Plumbing Studies Level 2 – 2024
• Apprenticeship Standard Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Level 3 – ongoing (in year 2 and expected to finish in 2028)

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

In the past year, the main way that I have been furthering my knowledge is through independent learning and making use of resources available to me. I’ve found a lot of value in reading heating engineering books that are additional to the learning in my apprenticeship.

I use these resources to test my own understanding and to check I haven’t missed anything. I also find that YouTube videos are a really helpful way to learn about the different techniques that professionals take, so I have been doing that too, to see the theory from the books in practice. For example, over the past 12 months I have taken three different approaches to get trained up on changing a 2-port motorized valve:

1. Watching another engineer do it on YouTube in a step-by-step video
2. Reading up on the technique and considerations in one of my books
3. Watching my boss who showed me the traditional way of doing it and gave me plenty of opportunities to ask questions

I also attended the HIP Learner of the Year competition, which was a competition involving electricians and plumbing apprentices around the county. The task was to install a boiler and radiator (the plan and graph was given to us), in a set amount of time with a set number of materials. Being a participant, I felt very privileged as all the adults were pleased to see many young apprentices so eager to learn and experience more in the plumbing industry. In the competition, I learned the importance of planning out the install and taking my time to ensure every detail is accurate before moving on, it was also a great opportunity to have other engineers demonstrating techniques I had never seen before. So, I was able to take things away from that so I could use them myself in the future.

 

What advice would you offer to other apprentices on how you can be better than your average learner?

Never be afraid to try something, even if you have never worked in a trade before. Giving something a go is often the best way to start learning and building confidence.

It is also important to document the things you learn and reflect on the tasks that may not have gone as well. Keeping track of what you have learned helps you recognise your progress and identify areas where you can improve. You must always be willing to take feedback from your employer, even if it is constructive criticism. Listening to feedback and using it to improve your work is a key part of becoming better than the average learner.

Another important approach is what I describe as “bridging the gap.” If you come across something you don’t fully understand, take the initiative to research it yourself and learn how it’s done. This not only helps you develop your own knowledge, but it also shows your employer that you are enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile to learn.

Finally, don’t just ask how something is done, make sure to ask why. Understanding the reasons behind why something is done a certain way gives you a deeper understanding of the trade and helps you develop into a more knowledgeable apprentice.

 

How have you positively impacted your employer and added value?

I have positively impacted my employer by showing enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn in the trade that I want to qualify in. I am always keen to take on new tasks and develop my skills so that I can continue improving and becoming more useful on the job.

I also try to think for myself and analyse situations based on experiences I have had before. For example, after watching my employer wire or install certain parts, I aim to apply what I have observed and take the initiative to try these tasks myself when appropriate.

Most importantly, I have aimed to be an extra pair of hands on jobs while also showing that I am reliable. By demonstrating that I can handle certain tasks independently while working alongside my employer, I can support them more effectively and help jobs run more smoothly.

 

Please tell us about 2-3 jobs you’ve done on your own without your boss advising you in any way

Some of the jobs I have carried out independently include changing a two-port motorised valve, installing a towel radiator, and replacing and re-piping a shower pump. These were tasks I was able to complete without direct advice from my employer at the time, relying on the knowledge I had gained through previous work and my training.

For example, one of the jobs involved replacing the siphon and flush valve on a toilet. I also carried out work such as changing boiler components and re-piping central heating pipes to the boiler. I was able to complete these tasks through the repetitive nature of the work I had already experienced, as well as what I had been taught in my theory classes at college. However, most of my understanding came from working alongside my employer and learning directly from him on the job.

The most rewarding part of completing these jobs independently was realising that I knew what needed to be done and how to approach the tasks in front of me. It helped me understand what it will be like when I am working on my own in the future, carrying out jobs independently and thinking through problems for myself.

During these jobs I did encounter challenges. For example, when replacing the flush valve it would not seal properly and continued to leak. Because I was working on my own, I had to think carefully about how to solve the issue. I eventually resolved the problem by adding another O-ring, applying PTFE tape to create a watertight seal, and then using paste to secure everything together. This successfully sealed the valve and allowed the toilet to fill and flush properly again.

What I learned from this experience is the importance of staying calm and thinking through the situation when problems arise. As an engineer, there is almost always a way to solve the issue if you approach it logically. I also learned the value of patience and not rushing a job. Taking your time helps ensure nothing is missed and avoids having to return to fix mistakes later. Working carefully results in a much better outcome.

 

Please tell us why you think you should win this award

I like to stay humble about the work I do as an apprentice, but if I had to explain why I should win this award, I would say that I am always looking to learn a little bit more each day. I constantly challenge myself to try new things and take on jobs independently, and even if I make mistakes, I treat them as opportunities to learn and improve.

I have also been fortunate to work with employers who have over 30–40 years of experience in gas, heating, and plumbing. They have been teaching me advanced skills that are normally covered later in training, and as a result I have already developed a strong understanding of boilers and heating systems. This has helped me stay ahead in my class and build confidence in my abilities.

I am always looking for ways to improve my skills further. For example, I take part in regional competitions where I can learn from experienced engineers, gain more hands-on experience, and challenge myself in new environments. These opportunities allow me to continue developing as an apprentice and push myself to become the best engineer I can be.

Joe Styles

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Qualifications

• Level 3 NVQ Heating and Plumbing – completed, but waiting for certification, currently doing gas side of apprenticeship
• Level 2 NVQ Heating and Plumbing – 2020
• Level 1 NVQ Heating and Plumbing – 2020

 

Extra training and/or CPD you’ve done in the past 12 months

I develop my skills further by attending manufacturer-led training, particularly with Vaillant. At the company I work at, we are Vaillant Advanced engineers, so I regularly attend training days at their centre in Maidstone, where I build a deeper understanding of heating controls and heat pump systems. The most recent session I attended was in July, where I trained alongside a small group of around seven to eight engineers, which allowed for a more focused and hands-on learning experience.

I also attend Vaillant’s EcoTech training days whenever new models or system updates are released. These sessions ensure I stay up to date with the latest products, technologies, and best practices, which is essential as we install and service Vaillant systems daily.

My commitment to learning in this trade started early. Before beginning my apprenticeship, I spent my school holidays doing voluntary work, which involved labouring and tasks such as cutting copper pipe to size. This gave me a solid foundation and helped me get my foot in the door.

The training I continue to receive through Vaillant is both practical and theory-based, and I apply this knowledge every day on site. It allows me to work confidently with modern systems and ensures I am always improving and staying current within the industry.

 

What advice would you offer to other apprentices on how you can be better than your average learner?

The best way to be better than the average learner is to put yourself out there and take every opportunity to learn. I make the effort to attend as many training days as possible so I can build strong knowledge on the appliances I work on, and I also spend time reading around the trade to improve my understanding. At the same time, it’s important not to overload yourself with too much information at once, so you can properly take it in and apply it.

I also find that using different learning resources really helps. For example, I’ve found industry encyclopaedias useful, and the VIPER Gas Book has been particularly helpful. Alongside this, I follow experienced tradespeople on social media, such as PL Plumbers, PlumberParts, and Allen Hart, as it gives me a wider insight into how others in the industry work and approach different situations.

Most importantly, I always listen to the people I work with. My colleagues have more experience and are there to help, so taking on board their advice is key to improving. Even though apprentice wages might not always be the best, the experience and knowledge you gain make it more than worthwhile in the long run.

 

How have you positively impacted your employer and added value?

 I have positively impacted my employer by always being willing to help and going above and beyond to make sure jobs are completed within the required timeframes. I take pride in working efficiently and supporting wherever I can to keep projects running smoothly.

I also add value by being flexible with my time, whether that means starting early, staying late, or doing whatever is needed to get the job finished on time and reduce any delays. This helps minimise downtime and ensures we keep work moving consistently.

As it is a small team of just myself and my employer, I am able to take on jobs independently while he focuses on paperwork and other responsibilities. This helps keep the business running efficiently day to day and allows us to stay productive.

I have also received positive feedback from both my employer and customers. Reviews left on the company website mention my work directly, highlighting professionalism, reliability, and respect for customers’ homes. Customers have commented on how tidy and courteous we are, how clearly we communicate throughout jobs, and the high standard of our work. I believe this reflects the effort I put into every job and the positive contribution I make to the business.

 

Please tell us about 2-3 jobs you’ve done on your own without your boss advising you in any way

I have reached a stage in my apprenticeship where I am trusted to carry out most tasks independently. I regularly complete plumbing work on my own, such as changing radiators, and I am also able to service many boilers independently, with supervision where required for safety and compliance.

One example of a job I completed was at a property in [town] Essex, which included three bedrooms, an ensuite, a bathroom, and a downstairs toilet. I installed 11 new radiators throughout the property, including all associated pipework. This required careful planning, organisation, and attention to detail to ensure the system worked efficiently once completed.

Another example was fitting a boiler independently, where I carried out the installation, including mounting the unit and completing all the pipework. This involved converting a Worcester Bosch combi boiler to a Vaillant system in a three-bedroom semi-detached property in [town] Essex. While I did not carry out the gas connection itself, I was responsible for the rest of the installation.

At this stage, most of the work I do is unsupervised, as my employer trusts me to complete jobs to a high standard and deal with any challenges that arise. If I am ever unsure, I will always ask for a second opinion, but I also take the initiative to research solutions myself and refer back to my training and coursework. This approach allows me to overcome problems effectively and continue developing my skills while working independently.

 

Please tell us why you think you should win this award

There is no one out there that is better than someone else, no one knows everything, but I put the hours in and do everything I can to have the strongest knowledge possible and work as hard as I can.

If there’s parts needed for a toilet for example, I ring manufacturers myself rather than the boss having to do it to save him time, to take initiative.