Gas Alumni Helping Guide Next Generation of Learners
Stoke on Trent College alumnus Wayne Merry is helping to guide the next generation of gas and heating professionals by sharing his own insights and experiences.
Wayne is now a Technical Specialist at Cadent, having studied NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Plumbing and Heating at the College’s Burslem campus between 2006 and 2009. He returned to the College earlier this year to deliver a talk for gas and plumbing students all about gas safety.
“It made me feel proud to think I was helping students who were starting their careers like I was 19 years ago. It was also nice to have a walk around, which brought back some great memories.” Wayne said.
Wayne has now joined the Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network, which recognises and celebrates the achievements of former students who have gone on to successful careers in a variety of industries.
He was drawn to a career in gas and plumbing after hearing about it from his dad, who was a trained plumbing and heating engineer.
“The plumbing and gas sector was brand new when I was studying, and our class was the first to go through the course. My dad is a plumbing and heating engineer, and I was used to him helping me a lot when I was in school and enjoyed it, so it was an easy decision to enrol on the course.” Wayne said.
Wayne praised the lecturers at the College who delivered the Plumbing and Heating course, saying;
“The lecturers were brilliant, very accommodating and supportive throughout the course.”
As part of the Level 3 Plumbing and Heating course, Wayne also secured an apprenticeship with Apollo Heating in Manchester, where he was praised by his assessor as one of the best students on the course due to his application of practical and theory gas assessment.
Wayne has offered advice to current students who want to pursue a career in gas and plumbing, saying;
“Learn as much as possible on your own, take responsibility for your own knowledge and understanding of the industry. Ultimately, you are the responsible and qualified person completing the work, and you need to be confident that you are making the right decision.
“Also, ask lots of questions, be inquisitive and understand how things work, share experiences and learnings with peers and engineers as their answers will stick with you for a long time,” Wayne concluded.
If you have previously studied at Stoke on Trent College and want to share your story, please consider becoming part of the Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network.
