Expert advice for job search on tap

May 13 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

ASPIRING plumbers are hoping to make their pipedreams a reality after receiving a master-class in their chosen trade.

Students at Darlington College were given an insight into how they could forge successful careers, courtesy of officials from utilities giant British Gas.

The group is studying for a City and Guilds Level 2 qualification in basic plumbing, with the aim of gaining employment after completing the course.

And they were given expert tips on how to succeed by Paul Freeman, a former pupil of Longfield School in Darlington, who is now the Northern area heating manager for British Gas. He was joined by former British Gas apprentices Sarah Owen and Jason Sinclair, who told students how they managed to get a foot on the career ladder.

Thirty-three teenagers are studying for the Level 2 certificate and can return to the College to take the Level 3 course once they have secured a job.

The master-class came about thanks to the College’s strong links with local, regional and national firms.

Tutor in plumbing Alan Heseltine said: “There has been a lot of concern that there are no jobs available for young people wanting to get into the trade, so we invited British Gas in to show them how it can be done.

“If they complete the year-long Level 2 course, they have a lot of the theory about the job under their belts and that stands them in good stead for getting employment.

“Hopefully, hearing about the opportunities that are available with a company like British Gas will have really inspired them.”

Mr Freeman told the students: “By doing this course, you are picking up a qualification and knowledge of the disciplines we are looking for.”