We had a chat with Tim Jablonski, the Learner of the Month for October!

The HIP Learner of the Month award celebrates students and apprentices who are passionate about the future of the plumbing & heating industry, going above and beyond in their apprenticeships to set the standards of the industry.

HIP has launched the award to recognise the efforts that students and apprentices have put into learning the trade.

Tim was nominated by his college, South Gloucestershire & Stroud College, and was chosen as the Learner of the Month after a week of voting and testimonials on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The award was sponsored by Alpha Heating Innovation, who sent Tim a pair of Apple AirPods.

Our runner-up was Kieran Rooke from Central Heating Services, Surrey.

Tim, 29, was nominated for the following reason by his boss: “Tim is a young guy with a family history in the plumbing and heating industry. After the loss of his father, he was determined and focused on making his father proud, so he changed his career to become a plumber.

“Tim has plenty of personal attributes; helpful, interested, clever, committed, trustworthy and honourable. Tim has helped to bring our company into the 21st century. With a background in customer services, he has the ability to discuss the more technical requirements of modern internet/app-based controls including the design elements of heating and domestic services with clients.

“Tim is a credit to my firm, himself, his college and probably most importantly, he will honour his family name.”

HIP Magazine: Congratulations Tim! How does it feel to be the HIP Learner of the Month?

Tim Jablonski: Very proud and it inspires me to keep going and to try be as good as I can be.

HIP: How long have you been in the industry?

TJ: I’m currently into the second year of my Level 2 Plumbing & Heating Apprenticeship at Stroud College.

HIP: Have you always worked at IND Plumbing & Heating?

TJ: My first job from school was working at a supermarket, where I still work on Sundays now. I approached IND Plumbing & Heating in spring last year and asked for a chance to try out on my days off to try and get in the industry. After a few months Mike offered me a chance to do an apprenticeship and I jumped at the chance. My current schedule is college on Monday and IND Plumbing & Heating Tuesday to Friday.

HIP: What made you want to get into the industry?

TJ: I had always wanted to get into the industry as my late father was a plumbing & heating engineer but after he died I lacked the confidence and didn’t think I could do it. After many years and support from my family I decided to go for it.

HIP: What do you love most about it?

TJ: Every day is different and there is no better satisfaction than fixing something or installing something and being able to see the before and the after of jobs. Also, coffee!

HIP: What is your day-to-day role?

TJ: As I’m still learning I just try to be as helpful as I can, watching and learning as much as I can and trying my hand at anything to try and become a great plumbing & heating engineer.

HIP: What would you like to achieve in your career?

TJ: My dream is to be in this industry for the rest of my working life.

HIP: What inspires you the most?

TJ: Being able to have a trade behind me and having skills to be able to earn a living and provide for my family.

HIP: What’s your favourite social media platform?

TJ: I’d say my favourites are Instagram and Twitter. I use Instagram primarily for plumbing and Twitter primarily for my American Football as I am also a Fantasy Football ranker/writer in my spare time.

HIP: What’s your favourite job to do?

TJ: I like the variety to keep it fresh.

HIP: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your apprenticeship?

TJ: We all get leaks and you’ll never know everything.

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