Bellway's apprentice plumber Aleksander is on the right line
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When trainee plumber Aleksander Pietraszewski (20) from Raynes Park began looking for industry training opportunities, he was delighted to hear that Bellway Homes South East division wanted to offer him an apprenticeship, and he soon found himself on-site learning his new craft.
Speaking about how he came to plumbing and his course Aleksander said “After finishing my A-Levels, I started a civil engineering course at Loughborough University, but decided to change direction to gain hands on experience of the industry and earn some money rather than building up considerable debt whilst studying. I started a City and Guilds certificate in basic plumbing, level 2 at Nescot in Epsom in February 2013, even though I had no guarantee of an apprenticeship.”
“Nescot offers an apprentice matching service, putting prospective employers and candidate apprentices together. I was really keen to do this, so I signed up. I had two interviews prior to meeting with Bellway so you could say it was third time lucky, because I know Bellway is selective about their apprentice scheme, taking on a small number each year.”
“I started work with Bellway at the Langroyd Mews development in Wandsworth, which involved solo work and shadowing a series of four plumbers on-site to learn from their experience. I learnt to install all manners of plumbing from the initial stages including drainage and pipework through to radiators and sanitaryware. The plumbers have shown me good working practices and techniques which I have been able to apply to my work to make it easier and to a higher standard.
Speaking about his time on site Aleksander said: “Training on site isn’t the easiest of learning environments, but I am very much looking forward to seeing where this industry will take me. Having an academic background means I can soak up the theory at ease, watch how things are done first hand, and then put them straight into practice, which is something you can’t do at university.”
Rob Sapsford, Construction Director of Bellway Homes South East comments: “We are delighted that Aleks accepted an apprenticeship with Bellway Homes South East and wish him every success in his training. Our apprentices progress through their employment, gaining relevant qualifications that provide a clear recognition of their progress. In training and developing their skills we work closely with the Construction Industry Training Board and local colleges like Nescot, thereby balancing practical on-the-job with theoretical class room training.”
Having finished his level 2 plumbing, Aleksander has started his level 3 City and Guilds certificate in plumbing which he is due to complete in December 2014, along with completing a work portfolio to complete his NVQ level 2. He is currently working on his next Bellway scheme, The Old Dairy in Streatham.
Due to launch in March 2014, The Old Dairy will feature a collection of contemporary two bedroom apartments and four bedroom houses set in the heart of Streatham. The area benefits from excellent transport connections with both Streatham and Streatham Hill stations within easy walking distance and numerous bus routes along the High Road.
For more information about The Old Dairy, please visit www.bellway.co.uk or call 0845 548 3016.