Andy got into the trade at the age of 24 and now at 29, he is a mature student studying Level 3 gas course at Hemel Hempstead Dacorum campus while also finishing the last few months of his 4 year apprenticeship at Cole Bros. During the first 2 years of his apprenticeship, he gained his NVQ level 2 in plumbing and then progressed on to the level 3 gas course.
Cole Bros does a lot of work in nursery’s around the surrounding areas, the one Andy submitted as his Learner of the Month entry was one for Monkey Puzzle in Essex. “I got this one as my boss couldn’t work in the basement due to a bad back (all that money in his wallet weighing him down) you can see the high standard I’ve been trained to achieve so took my time in planning and measuring out, all straight pipes all level trying to compete with the other plant rooms on Cole bros Instagram” explained Andy.
When asked how he feels having won the award, he went onto say that he has never won an award for his actual plumbing work so this was a first making him beyond chuffed.
Currently, Andy’s favourite thing about the industry is how relaxed and easy-going the trade is, “no rush to get the first fix done or no shouting builders or merchants who forget your fittings daily.” he explained.
Andy has big hopes for the future, “I hope to be half as good as both my bosses Mr Ryan Cole and Mr Dean Cole. These two are not plumbers… not heating engineers… they are more…….they are… pipework ARTISTS!!!”
Congratulations Andy! Entries are now open for the April award, with an Arctic Spray Pipe Freezer Disposable Aero kit from Arctic Hayes on offer to the winner!
To enter, plumbing and heating students and apprentices must tag us in a photo of their work on social media and use #HIPLOTM. Our favourites (up to a maximum of eight) then go to a public vote at the end of the month before a winner is crowned. For full entry info, click here.
We are thrilled to announce Daisy Turner from Barking and Dagenham College as the HIP Learner of the Year 2024, following an intense two-day final on the 11th and 12th of April at the JTL Birmingham Training Centre.
We are excited to announce there is just one day left until the eagerly anticipated Grand Final of the HIP Learner of the Year 2024 kicks off! The event is set to take place across two days, on the 11th and 12th of April, at the JTL Birmingham Training Centre.
The finalists for this year’s HIP Female Skills Competition have been announced! This year, six outstanding students have…
Talon unveils ‘Apprentice Questions’ video series: Inspiring the next generation of heating and plumbing installers.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers (WCoP) has announced six recipients of its bursary to help kick-start their careers in the plumbing industry.
JTL, one of the leading apprenticeship providers in England and Wales, opened its new training centre in Eastbourne on Thursday 8th February, which was attended by Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Candy Vaughan.
