With melting ice causing damage to water pipes, Scotland’s young plumbers have been at the forefront of action to get boilers and heating working again.
Among them is 27-year-old Natasha Morris who completed a Modern Apprenticeship in plumbing last year. Natasha now works for Midlothian Council and has been aiding their drive to deal quickly and effectively with burst pipes in recent weeks.
More than 1,200 people are currently undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in plumbing in Scotland.
Skills Minister Angela Constance said:
“Natasha’s story is both unusual and inspiring. There aren’t many female plumbers in Scotland, but there’s no reason why there shouldn’t be.
“A Modern Apprenticeship in plumbing is a fantastic opportunity for a young person to learn a valued trade and receive advice and support on their future career in the process.
“With Scotland having experienced extreme temperatures and heavy snow in recent weeks, plumbers like Natasha have been busy coming to people’s aid, showing just how rewarding a Modern Apprenticeship could be.”
Natasha added:
“Plumbing had been an interest of mine for a long time but I found it hard to secure a placement. The Modern Apprenticeship suited me perfectly and the council put me on the first rung of the career ladder.
“The past few weeks have been very busy indeed, but I’m happy to have been able to assist where help has been needed.
“As the thaw continues, the best thing anyone can do is to try and avoid burst pipes entirely by using insulation or by heating your home at a low temperature as much as you are able.”
Figures from the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation show that there are 11,400 fully qualified and registered plumbers in Scotland. As at end of September there were 1,229 plumbers currently undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in plumbing in Scotland.
