Apprentice Name: Harrison Cowdell
Age: 17
Host Employer: NPS Barnsley
Training Provider: Barnsley College
Qualification: Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship
Job Title: Plumbing Apprentice
Harrison left Holy Trinity Catholic School and initially gained work experience alongside experienced plumbers before progressing straight into his apprenticeship with EN:Able Futures, NPS Barnsley and Barnsley College.
Harrison began his apprenticeship in January this year and already had a basic knowledge and grounding experience of labouring, working with clip piping, fitting toilets, soldering pipes, bending pipes and crimping pipes using special tools, he also had assisted with general maintenance. Since joining NPS and while working towards his qualification, Harrison has been working to install a new heating system in residential properties on a site in Barnsley. Beginning with the boiler area, on site Harrison is currently laying pipes underground, and pipes up the side of houses. Harrison has recently attended two primary schools to undertake heating work additionally, removing leaking cast iron from a toilet and re-piping.
Mark Callaghan, Line Manager - ‘’Harrison is a capable apprentice, he demonstrates this with a positive attitude in his work, and he is making good progress. His confidence in the role is growing. Harrison has a good working relationship with his manager/responsible person, he fits in and communicates with the team very well. Harrison is also using technology well and is aware of the additional support available. He now has a very good understanding of NPS and is improving continually as he gains an awareness of client and project requirements.’’
Hannah Norton, Development Coach - ‘’It’s been a very challenging year for our apprentices, who have continued to work and learn to the best of their ability during the global pandemic and the various barriers this can present. Harrison is only a first year student, but is an example of how adaptable and determined our apprentices can be during difficult times. He has impressed colleagues and college teachers alike and I’m very sure he will continue into his second year and beyond.’’