Plumbing Students Explore Careers in Water Hygiene

Industry specialists visit Bradford College to discuss water hygiene careers

Students studying Level 3 Plumbing at Bradford College recently had the opportunity to learn about career paths in water hygiene and Legionella control during a session led by local specialists from Aquatrust. The visit aimed to provide insight into the practical applications of their skills beyond traditional plumbing roles.

Insights from Aquatrust professionals

The session featured Aquatrust’s Operations Director JayJay Pickles and Risk Assessor Alex Denham, who shared their industry experiences and outlined the range of career opportunities within water hygiene. Their presentation allowed students to engage directly with professionals working in the field, offering a perspective on a specialised area of plumbing.

One student, Mohammed, described the session as informative and expressed interest in pursuing a career in water hygiene, noting the importance of supporting vulnerable groups through this work. Another student, Aidan, highlighted the role of water hygiene in managing essential risks.

Developing links between education and industry

The visit is part of an ongoing partnership between Bradford College and Aquatrust. The company currently supports one of its employees who is studying for a Level 2 Plumbing qualification at the College. JayJay Pickles emphasised the mutual benefits of the collaboration, focusing on recruiting individuals with the right skills and attitudes.

Thomas, a Level 3 Plumbing student and Student Ambassador, appreciated learning about clear career pathways within the industry, recognising the potential for progression without needing to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Supporting practical experience

JayJay Pickles stressed the importance of work experience alongside theoretical learning. He noted that while students gain knowledge at college, practical experience is crucial for career development. The session also sparked interest among students, with several approaching the Aquatrust representatives to inquire about starting a career in the sector.

Alex Denham, who previously studied at Bradford College, returned to support current students by sharing his career journey. He commented on the enthusiasm shown by the students and the value of connecting academic study with real-world applications.

College perspective

Ben Houlbrook, Curriculum Team Leader at Bradford College, highlighted the value of employer partnerships in enhancing student learning. Bringing industry experts into the classroom helps students gain up-to-date knowledge and a deeper understanding of specialised areas within plumbing.

Overall, the session was well received, with active participation from the students and positive feedback from the visiting professionals. Bradford College continues to offer plumbing courses from Level 1 to Level 3, alongside other construction-related programmes.