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Apprentice Louise Pope is making a splash as she proves plumbing’s not just a man’s job by joining Community Building Services (CBS).

 

Working mum Louise, aged 28, joined CBS on the apprentice scheme to show her seven year-old the value of learning a trade. With her initial training in plumbing, her ultimate ambition is to become a multi-skilled trade operative.

 

Two apprentices have joined the CBS in the past six months and almost 60 per cent of apprentices who have completed the scheme have gone on to become full employees of the company. The scheme has been run by CBS for four years.

 

A typical week for Louise comprises three days study at West Hertfordshire College and two days on site with CBS trade operatives. Louise had already completed a City and Guilds Level 2 in Plumbing before joining the scheme, but will need to study for a further two years before she is fully qualified.

 

Louise, based in Borehamwood, said: “I always wanted to work for CBS – I live locally so often saw their vans driving around. They also did my own house up and I was impressed with their skills. So far it has been great – my colleagues are really helpful.

 

“One of the best things about working for CBS is it covers all of London and the surrounding area. This means I get to work in a variety of different properties which will give me a really good grounding.”

 

Keith Kingston, senior contracts manager at CBS, manages the apprentices. He said: “Working with the apprentices is a really rewarding experience. It’s great to see people develop and know that we are making a difference to local people’s lives, and it’s a brilliant way to develop committed, well-trained employees.”

 

CBS works with local colleges, including Oaklands College, Luton College and West Hertfordshire College, to deliver the scheme, which also helps to boost its links with the local community.