Huw James (44) - Now A Plumber
Procurement manager Huw James, worked for a company in Wallingford and has made a major change in career from buying to plumbing.
Plumbing course fills the skills gap
Huw James (44), from Shiplake near Henley-on-Thames, was working for a company which made interactive furniture for universities and schools but earlier this year decided it was time for a change.
Surfing the internet, Huw came across a plumbing course at New Career Skills. After some careful research he decided that this was the right course at the right time for him. He said: “I checked out what kind of time commitment I needed to make and what sort of qualification I would end up with, as well as the balance between study and practical work. I also read up some of the case studies from previous students; they seemed very positive and very professional, so I decided to take the plunge and signed up.”
Having spotted a gap in the market, he left his job to set up his own property care company. Huw explains: “I’d always been keen on DIY and fixing things and as I am competent in most areas, plumbing seemed to be the right area in which to train and improve my skills.” Working as a sole trader gives him the time and the flexibility to set up his new enterprise and study for his plumbing qualification at the same time.
Huw’s company, HJS Property Care, targets small jobs such as painting and decorating and of course, plumbing jobs.
In addition, Huw’s new job has enabled him to devote more time to his family. Huw said: “My wife is a solicitor and she often works very long hours. This change of direction has made it possible for me not only to support her career but to plan my work schedule around our two young children as well. Doing this plumbing course and setting up on my own means that we have finally got more of a work/life balance.”
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