A 17-year-old apprentice is among the youngest women working in the oil heating industry to undertake her OFTEC qualifications.

Tia Allen works full time for oil and LPG boiler specialist Dan North, after having achieved an NVQ Level Two qualification in plumbing. She recently sat her OFTEC 101, 105E and 600A examinations at the Grant Training Academy in Devizes, Wiltshire.

“She has proven to be very talented and knowledgeable with a real flair for this industry, and as such Dan decided she is already capable of sitting her OFTEC qualification,” said Anna Wakefield, marketing manager for Grant UK.

Ms Allen said: “I really enjoy servicing and attending break downs on oil boilers as I get to meet a variety of people and I like the challenge of seeing how fast I can get the boiler back up and running.

“I have found that customers are surprised at first to see a lady coming to look at the boiler but after the standard questions have been asked they are happy, and if anything more comfortable to let me get on and fix their boiler.”