A TEENAGER was given the chance to become an apprenticeship after bumping into a plumber who was doing some work on his parents' house.

Shortly after setting up Newcastle-based DRS Plumbing and Heating Services, David Shirley decided to take on JTL apprentice James Greenwood.

And so in March when Shirley was working for Adam Brosnan’s parents he was receptive to the 18-year-old’s interest in joining the firm. With Greenwood due to qualify in autumn, Shirley saw this as the perfect opportunity to expand his business.

Shirley said: “I was thrilled with the service JTL are providing with James for his apprenticeships, so I was more than happy to recruit Adam and put him on the same scheme.” Adam was a late recruit, but he has been enrolled in the local college and has settled straight in, adapting well to full-time work and study.

Shirley added: “I might even go back to college with James and see what more I can learn – I’m not sure how he would feel about that!”

Brosnan said: “I am really pleased with my apprenticeship and look forward to developing my skills to give back to David’s business to thank him for the opportunity I have been given”.

The breadth of work DRS Plumbing and Heating take on, from bathrooms and kitchens to LPG cylinders in caravans, means that apprentices are exposed to a variety of techniques and skills, which will help them become well-rounded plumbers as they work towards their NVQ qualifications.