Q: Can you tell us about your career background?

Sean: I started my working life as a car mechanic after I left school. However, by the age of 17, I was working with a local plumber to earn some extra pocket money. It was this opportunity that set the wheels in motion for my career in plumbing and heating. 

I embarked on an apprenticeship and spent four years in college before gaining my City & Guilds advanced plumbing qualification. After qualifying, I became a sub-contractor working across several sites. I did this for a few years and then applied for a permanent job as a service engineer. Nowadays I run my own business.

Q: In your opinion, what are the key changes, opportunities, and challenges for the industry?

Sean: Since joining the industry, the biggest change I’ve seen is the roll-out of heat pumps. As such, specialising in renewable energy sources is the way forward and will be particularly important for those entering the industry.

My optimism for the future is blurred, however, due to rising energy bills and conflicting information around new technologies. Customers want value for money, ease of use, and, most of all, reliability with whatever product they buy.

Q: Could you tell us about your experience of having an apprentice? 

Sean: Ruben is possibly the longest serving apprentice in the world because he’s been coming to work with me ever since he could walk and talk! 

There have been many highs and lows having an apprentice who is my son and we face unique challenges balancing work and home life. That said, it is extremely rewarding to see his knowledge grow and when he won [a young apprentice of the year award] he exceeded all my expectations. I am extremely proud of him.  

Q: What’s the most rewarding thing about your work? 

Sean: Having strong relationships is extremely rewarding for me. It’s a long-standing notion but the customer is king. Thanks to this mindset, I’ve been able to establish a loyal customer base, some of whom have been with me from the beginning of Powerserv.  

My mother once told me: “pick a job you like, and you’ll never work another day in your life”; this has certainly rung true with me.

Q: What inspired you to join the plumbing and heating industry?

Ruben: I’ve always been intrigued by plumbing and heating. Growing up, I would go to work with my dad – watching him take boilers apart to fix them fascinated me. The truth is I couldn’t finish school and start plumbing quick enough!

Since day one, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the work we do. It’s a mixture of plumbing and heating work, mainly focusing on services and breakdowns, while my brother does the installations. This variety keeps it interesting and means that I’m still learning.

Q: What’s your favourite part of your job?

Ruben: My favourite part is running copper pipework. Everyone laughs when I say that, but I just love polishing the joints and standing back and seeing the pipework shine. People truly appreciate when you take pride in details like shining the pipework.

Q: How important is training to what you do?

Ruben: The industry is constantly changing, and technology is evolving, so training is the best way to keep on top of this. When using new products, it’s crucial that we understand them and are confident working with them. Manufacturer-led training is particularly invaluable as it builds this confidence and competence. Ultimately, this helps us to provide the best solutions to our customers.

Q: What does it mean to win a young apprentice of the year award?

Ruben: It was a great opportunity to showcase my skills but I didn’t expect to win, so it really was a surprise! 

It feels incredible to have my work recognised by the industry. I have my college lecturers to thank because they encouraged me to enter the competition. I also wouldn’t be the apprentice I am today without my dad’s help and support along the way. He’s always encouraging me to ask questions and keep learning. In fact, that would be the advice I’d give to others starting their training.