MTP Gas Ltd, a trusted local business with 21 years of experience, has transformed from a one-man operation to a small team by investing in apprentices.
When facing high demand and doing long work hours himself, sometimes stretching to 11pm, Mark decided to take on his first apprentice. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the plumbing industry remained busy, and Mark saw an opportunity to grow his business and support young people in the community.
On his decision to take on an apprentice, Mark stated: “I was keen to help youngsters in the area and put them in a job, something that will be there for them in the future.”
Having contacts at Redcar and Cleveland College and having done a gas course himself at the College 10 years prior, it was a natural move for Mark to send his own apprentices there.
The business’ first apprentice, Luke, is now approaching the completion of his four-year training. Reflecting on his journey, Luke shared: “Every day is different in this job. I could be working on a new bathroom, or a heating system.
“Mark is very knowledgeable; he teaches the proper way to do things on the job and explains if I’ve gone wrong.”
A couple of years after Luke joined the business, and with work still piling in, Mark decided to hire a second apprentice.
Will joined the team and is in his second year of his apprenticeship. He said: “I am a practical learner and prefer to be hands-on, so an apprenticeship suited me.
“Day to day, we work on big projects, sometimes for care homes fitting en-suite bathrooms.
“I am looking forward to working on my first new build project soon which will involve fitting heating and boiler systems, and bathrooms.”
Expanding the team has had the desired effect for MTP Gas Ltd.
Mark explained: “Luke can now go out alone, or with Will, and the business can take on more maintenance tasks like services, breakdowns, or basic plumbing issues.”
“Hiring apprentices has helped me keep the diary running and given me more time to focus on the paperwork side and lengthy tenders.”
The outcome, Mark’s vision to grow his business has given two young people a foot in the door and the opportunity to learn a trade which will set up their future and build skilled tradespeople in the community.
Both apprentices spoke highly of their college experience. Luke praised the tutors, and Will commented: “Darren is spot on as a tutor. He comes out to my work for site visits, and I can contact him when I am not in college if I have any questions.”
