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[ Project Manager | Designer | Construction Manager | Plumber 1 | Sparky | Tiler | Painter / Decorator | Plasterer | Chippy | Plumber 2 ]
Ian Puddick, 34, Plumber
At 19 Ian was named Master Plumber of the Year by the Federation of Master Plumbers (the youngest person to receive it). Ian started his own plumbing company just 16 months ago which, according to the Evening Standard, is London's fastest growing plumbing company.
Bricking It Interview
Why did you want to be a plumber?
Aaaaaah... I wanted to have a practical trade that would serve me
for the rest of my life no matter where on earth I found myself (I
wanted to be a missionary at the time).
What's the best job you've ever worked on?
Plumbing - I can't really say as I have had lots of fab experiences.
However this Bricking It is the most unusual and fun.
Corporate Communications - working with Buckingham Palace on their communications strategy. And it all began with a simple telephone call to the Palace.
What do you do?
I manage London's fastest growing plumbing company and I also (completely
separately) work with blue chip PLCs implementing corporate communication
strategies (& practising hypnosis on friends, family and strangers).
What are your hours / wages like?
I work long hours and my wages reflect my commitment.
What qualifications do you have?
I have an advanced City and Guilds in Plumbing, a qualified Hypnotist and NLP Instructor and an ordained Minister. It's a cool mix!
What's your advice to would-be apprentices?
At the moment it's hard getting an apprenticeship as employers are
worried that they will spend 2-4 years investing in an individual
and, when the apprentice is fully trained, they will leave and set
up business on there own - so the employer does not really gain any
return on their investment.
So, keep telephoning and writing to companies. Be persistent. Your objective should be to get in front of the decision maker in an interview situation. And do not take rejection personally.
And finally...
You get one go at life... so make it happen now. Stop waiting for
it to happen.
For more information on Ian check out www.leakbusters.net. Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
Related Links
Find out what it takes to be a Plumber >Inspired? Find out about the training you need to succeed here >
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