As one of West Midland’s fastest-growing retailers for specialist plumbing and heating supplies, Bell Plumbing Supplies wanted to use its success to encourage the next generation into the sector.

Even though 17-year-old Luke Gayden and 22-year-old Jamie Lee O’Neill both joined Bell Plumbing Supplies as trade supplier apprentices in 2022, their entries into the construction sector were very different.

Luke explained:

“My dad currently works at Bell Plumbing Supplies and has been in the sector since he was 16, so I already had an understanding of the industry from him. My brother has just completed an apprenticeship and we chatted about how much better learning in the work environment was for him than in a classroom, so I thought this would be the same for me.”

Unlike Luke’s laid-out career plan, Jamie took a different path before he realised that he wanted to pursue a different route.

“Prior to working for Bell Plumbing Supplies, I spent a year at university studying Sports Science at Worcester University but decided I wanted to get a better experience and real-life knowledge by working in a trade industry. Plumbing and heating are vital in our everyday lives and are always changing, so I wanted to learn more about it, which is why I looked for an apprenticeship in this sector.”

Both apprentices prioritise product knowledge and customer service during their daily roles. As an independent merchant, Bell Plumbing Supplies gives them the opportunity to learn the local demand for each product and understand how to provide the highest level of tailored customer service possible.

As part of their apprenticeships, Luke and Jamie are supported by the whole business which has helped to expand their industry knowledge further.

“I have had lots of different mentors during my apprenticeship who all have specialised sector knowledge and business expertise that have helped improve my understanding of the heating and plumbing industry,”

commented Jamie.

“The team have given me the independence to throw myself into lots of different opportunities and learn valuable lessons, such as participating in a workplace risk assessment and dealing with customers.”

Luke added:

“I consider all my colleagues to be my mentors because they have all supported me throughout my apprenticeship in different ways. Many of them have been in this industry for a long time and they happily share the skills they have learned over this time with me. The most valuable lesson they have taught me is about how to provide good customer care and the importance of having a deep understanding of the products that we stock.”

Reflecting on their apprenticeship experiences so far, Jamie believes it has allowed him to upskill himself in a way that will support his long-term career in the heating and plumbing industry beyond the 12 to 18 month apprenticeship period.

“By getting hands-on in the industry, I have been able to learn more about the upcomingchanges that our industry will be facing, like the growth of renewable energy, and start to grow my skills in the sector which will help me stay ahead of the curve.”

The ability to learn on the job and get real-life experience is something Luke also values.

“My apprenticeship has allowed me to build a skillset and learn more about my chosen industry in a safe and supportive way that is mapped out through the apprenticeship programme,”

says Luke.

“At my age, I am still growing as a person, so this support has allowed me to get used to the working environment and start my career in a positive way.”

The Bell Plumbing Supplies’ apprenticeships are part of a broader initiative by leading builders’ merchants buying society NMBS, who successfully helped recruit 60 apprentices into the industry in 2023 during its 60th anniversary year. NMBS is continuing this legacy by maintaining its partnership with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and LEAP, on an ambitious apprenticeship programme that aims to bridge the skills gap and shape the future of the construction sector.

Dean Hayward, head of sales and marketing at NMBS, said:

"Apprenticeships are critical to helping bridge the skills shortages that continue to be a serious challenge for our industry. By supporting independent merchants, like Bell Plumbing Supplies, who are teaching apprentices the practice of high-quality customer care and local industry knowledge, we can help grow our sector.

“We hope that by encouraging more companies to follow this example and hire apprenticesin their own businesses, we will see further innovation in our industry’s future.”

https://www.bellplumbing.co.uk/