Vistry Group apprentice Adam Streeton is living proof that it’s never too late to find your dream job.
As the country celebrates National Apprenticeship Week (7 to 13 February), the 29-year-old is embarking on his fourth year as an apprentice plumber with the housebuilding company.
Currently based at Bovis Homes’ Stortford Fields in Bishop’s Stortford – Adam is working towards a Level 3 diploma in the trade which has become his passion.
And yet it was only a few years ago that he had no idea what he wanted to do for a living – after trying a succession of different roles which failed to give him the job satisfaction he craved.
Adam, who lives in East Malling in Kent, said: “A good friend of mine got me into plumbing after I saw how successful he had been setting up his own business. I thought I could see myself working in the trade too and ended up working for the same company he did, which is where I got my first qualification as a plumber.
“After completing that, I was keen to stay in the industry but plumbing apprenticeships are hard to come by. So, when my mum – who works at Vistry’s head office – told me about the vacancy at Stortford Fields, it was great to know that I could try to continue my career in plumbing and pursue my qualifications with Vistry.
Unlike most apprentices who begin learning their chosen trade while still in their teens, Adam had no clear career path in mind when he left school.
“I wasn’t very academic at school and didn’t really know what job I wanted. After finishing school, I ended up doing a vehicle spray painting college course, followed by a job working for a backup power generator company, where I achieved a Level 2 in electrical and mechanical engineering.
“Soon after my friend got me into plumbing, I quickly realised it was the career path I wanted to follow. I’ve always struggled to focus on topics that don’t interest me, so when I found myself so engaged and interested in plumbing, I knew I had found the right path.
“I don’t regret that I tried out different jobs in my early twenties, as I think it has added lots of different strings to my bow, and I’ve learnt so many transferable skills along the way.”
Adam’s role at Stortford Fields varies from day to day, but his main tasks involve fitting and maintaining various water systems – such as boilers and radiators – in the new homes at the development.
He added: “It is a very meticulous trade; you always have to be switched on and confident in your abilities – which I’ve found really enjoyable. One of the things I also like most about the job is working with the team around me. Everything we do is a team effort and it’s a great thing to be a part of.
Adam is due to complete his Level 3 plumbing qualification – which is being funded by Vistry – at Oaklands College in St Albans this spring.
He said: “I’m nearing the end now and can’t wait to have this qualification under my belt. I am really looking forward to the future and continuing to pursue a career in plumbing.”
Bovis Homes, which is a Vistry brand alongside Linden Homes, is currently building a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties at Stortford Fields, off Hadham Road.
