A plumbing professional who almost spends as much time under the water as he does directing it through pipework is training tomorrow’s plumbing and heating professionals as part of their CPD studies.
Pegler Yorkshire’s 51-year-old technical trainer, Glenn Schofield, from Doncaster, who has won the British Championships, and played for Great Britain internationally, in the unusual underwater hockey sport of Octopush, is training ‘the next generation’ of installers at colleges countrywide, giving them the product knowledge and jointing expertise they need to make a successful career.
Phill Jackson, the company’s marketing and business development director, said: “Glenn Schofield delivers training on all of our pipework jointing ranges, including Push-Fit, Multi-Layer and Xpress, and, for colleges able to travel to us in Doncaster, visits to our Innovation Centre can be arranged, so students can benefit from on-site training, real-time product performance studies, and a tour of our manufacturing facilities."
Glenn Schofield, who started work himself at British Gas aged 16, qualifying as a gas service engineer after a three-year apprenticeship, said: “It is so important that our young people are given the training and education that they need to develop their knowledge for a future career – and this type of training is very much focused on attaining skills and plumbing proficiency.”
One college to benefit from his expertise is 'Construct' in Kent, which specialises in taking students who do not show a natural academic aptitude, but may have a desire to further practical work in construction-related roles. Visiting once a week from their schools, they are professionally trained to develop skills for a particular trade.
“Glenn Schofield has been a great asset to our training programme, and has educated our students on the ‘ins and outs’ of every angle of pipework connections,” said Dave Jerrom, lead tutor. “They have learnt which options are available, the best jointing system for the job, and, most importantly, how to fit professionally, and work with pride. He has inspired our students, and delivered his training with professionalism and personality.”
Pegler Yorkshire sponsors the UK Copper Board National Apprentice Plumber of the Year award. As part of its sponsorship commitment, Glenn will be attending a programme of 'Meet the Manufacturer' events across the country, where he will make presentations on Pegler Yorkshire pipework, fittings, and best practice installation, and be available to offer advice to students.
