National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Experienced plumber upskills thanks to apprenticeship

Jason Coe, a 39-year-old plumber from Swindon, Wiltshire is adding another trade to his belt after starting an upskilling Plumbing and Domestic Heating Apprenticeship with local housing association, Aster Group.

Jason, who joined the Group in 2021, now spends one day a week at Wiltshire college and the other four days on the job. At the end of the three-year course, he hopes to become a fully qualified gas engineer; making him a multi-skilled tradesperson.

Of his experience so far, Jason said: “I’m really enjoying learning again, keeping my mind active and gaining more confidence and knowledge all at the same time.

“On a personal level, doing an apprenticeship as an older person means I have more focus, understanding and appreciation for the qualification and its potential opportunities in the future.”

Completing an upskilling apprenticeship will not only benefit Jason personally, but it will also have a positive impact on Aster and its customers too.

Vicki Sanderson, property services director at Aster, said: “Investing in the upskilling of our own people is hugely beneficial for our business. It also forms part of our commitment to supporting colleagues with their professional development which we know is so important to them.

“It will have benefits for our customers too. We’ll be able to complete repairs in a single appointment with one tradesperson carrying out all of the work, and do so much quicker, making it far more convenient for our customers.”

National Apprenticeship Week (6-12 February 2023) shines a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships have for individuals, businesses, and the wider community.

Aster is committed to helping those looking to start their career or upskill in other areas through its apprenticeship programme.

The business currently has 29 full-time apprentices and 141 existing employees upskilling via an apprenticeship.

You can find out more about Aster’s apprenticeship programme at https://www.aster.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships.