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Name:  Nigel Brink

Age:  21

Qualifications:  BTEC in Construction & the Built Environment (Distinction), Technical Certificate Level 3, NVQ Level 2, last stage of NVQ Level 3

College:  Attended Bridgend College, South Wales

HIP!:  What attracted you to a career in plumbing?

NIGEL: I did a two-year BTEC course in construction when I was still at my comprehensive school and found that the part I enjoyed most was plumbing. So, after I left school I knew the direction I wanted to go in.  

HIP!:  Did you manage to get an apprenticeship?

NIGEL: No. I found it very difficult to find an employer. In the end I enrolled on a course to gain the Technical Certificate in Plumbing. That was a good starting point. I managed to get work experience with Whiteheads and later on with Ellis & Turner, which helped me to progress to NVQ Level 2. At the moment I’m waiting to be assessed for NVQ Level 3.

HIP!: Have you got an employer now?

NIGEL: No. It’s so hard to get on the books with a company so I am now self-employed.

HIP!:  You have entered a number of skills competitions – how did you get into that?

NIGEL: Well, my lecturer encouraged me to enter the SkillPlumb competition in 2010 run by SummitSkills. I took part in the Welsh Regional Final, which took place at Bridgend College. 

The following year my lecturer put me forward for the HIP! National Apprentice of the Year 2011 competition. I didn’t get through to the final, but I’m glad I entered.

HIP!:  What did you get out of the experience?

NIGEL: I enjoyed it. I found it helped to build my confidence. And, of course, I did get some great free tools and work clothes when I took part in the HIP! competition! 

HIP!:  You would encourage others to have a go then?

NIGEL: Definitely.  I think it looks good on your CV. It’s so difficult to get an employer these days that you have got to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Of course it helps if you win as you’ll also get media coverage, but even if you don’t I think it says a lot about your character. It shows a positive attitude, and I think that’s what employers are looking for.

HIP!: How do you think you are doing in the skills competitions?

NIGEL: I’m definitely getting better. In 2011 I came third in SkillPlumb and I have been shortlisted for the WorldSkills competition due to the marks/score given in previous competitions. The final takes place in Germany in 2013.

HIP!:  What’s your plans for the future?

NIGEL: In the near future I want to build up a business in domestic and commercial plumbing. I eventually want to be a position to hire staff, perhaps take on an apprentice.

I also want to study part-time for a HND in Construction. If you’ve got the right qualifications and experience in the industry I think you can go far. There are so many career routes to choose from.

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QUICK FIRE Q & As…

What’s your favourite film?

Cool Runnings.

What’s your favourite book?

When We Were Kings.

What’s your favourite food?

Probably a Chinese or KFC.

What’s your favourite place?

Haven’t really got one, but I like Amsterdam a lot as a city.

Who’s your favourite band?

Oasis, Eminem, David Guetta, NickleBack.

Who’s your favourite football team?

I don’t support football, I’m an amateur boxer myself.

Bridgend College

The College delivers full and part-time courses in a wide range of vocational areas, across four campuses as well as work-based programmes. They are also the largest provider of Higher Education courses of any FE College in Wales with over 1,000 students completing HNC, HND and degree courses locally at Bridgend College each year.