Plumber and heating engineer Mohammed Rahman, 38, from London won Screwfix Top Tradesperson in 2024. Mohammed currently employs Kam Islaam, a 19-year-old apprentice currently studying Plumbing & Heating at New City College in Poplar.

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week we caught up with winner of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024, Mohammed Rahman, and his apprentice Kam Islaam, to discuss their thoughts on apprenticeships in the UK.

Image: Mohammed Rahman

How do apprenticeships benefit the plumbing and heating industry?
MR: For employers, especially small business owners like myself, apprenticeships provide a cost-effective way to bring new talent into the company, and help the business grow and expand.

For new talent entering the industry, apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to see what life as a tradesperson is really like. Passion for the work is essential, and apprenticeships act as a real-world interview, allowing employers to gauge an enthusiasm, dedication, and suitability for the role over time. This process ensures that the apprentices who remain with the company are not only qualified but also genuinely motivated, leading to stronger long-term retention and success.

How effective are apprenticeships in regard to the industry skills gap?
MR: Incredibly effective. Apprenticeships allow experienced workers to pass down their knowledge and skills to new talent, ensuring that specialised techniques and industry-specific expertise are preserved within the company. When I learnt the trade, I made sure to gain as much expertise from the people training me. Learning the correct processes and procedures, as well as how to tackle common plumbing and heating issues, meant I was able to maintain high standards and consistency in the services I provide to customers – which ultimately helped my business to grow.

This kind of learning takes time, but the results are invaluable. It’s why I believe apprenticeships shouldn’t be ‘fast-tracked’ as the crucial skills of plumbing and heating can’t be learnt overnight. Being confident in your knowledge of how systems work, and the ability to design a system yourself, means that you can do the best work possible.

What role do apprentices play in the renewables sector?
MR: I’ve always been a huge supporter of the renewables within the industry, however a lot of these emerging technologies are completely new to me. The young people taking on apprenticeships now are learning about these new technologies from the beginning of their careers, so they’ll be uniquely qualified when their apprenticeship concludes.

I think that if apprentices can become competent in renewables, then their careers are future proof. The skills that they are learning will be second nature to them when they are working, and eventually it will be their turn to pass on those skills to the next generation.

How important are apprenticeships to the future of the industry?
MR: They are absolutely vital. Practical learning and experience on site with knowledgeable tradespeople is the best way to ensure that best practice is transferred to the next generation of tradespeople. The UK has a great reputation for build quality and it’s the blueprint for industry standards across the world. When the current generation hang up their toolbelts it’s good to know this reputation is in safe hands.

Anything else to note?
MR: There’s a significant issue at the moment in terms of employers finding apprentices, and apprentices securing a work placement. I’d like to see a real shake-up of how young people can access opportunities, with support from Government bodies. A central hub of apprentice opportunities and apprentices looking for work would be revolutionary for the sector and help greatly towards addressing the current skills gap.

How has doing an apprenticeship benefitted your career?
KI: I think it’s given me the perfect starting point for my career. It’s allowed me to learn from an experienced plumber and really get a taste for the industry.

What challenges have you faced as an apprentice and how have you overcome them?
KI: Financial barriers can be a challenge when you’re first starting out. Tools are expensive, so my advice to anyone considering a plumbing apprenticeship is to first invest in some basic hand tools – a good set of wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, a hacksaw and pipe cutters. Your employer will likely provide any power tools you may need. Once you’re more experienced, maybe treat yourself to a drill, and Screwfix is the perfect place to pull together a ‘dream list’!

Do you feel supported on your apprenticeship journey?
KI: Mohammed is very supportive, as are my teachers at college. The background knowledge and insights they give me is great. Mohammed has also given me some of his old textbooks from when he was an apprentice – which have been really helpful in building up my knowledge.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others? If so, why?
KI: Yes definitely. If you like practical work and can see yourself having a career in the trade, being an apprentice is the perfect place to start.

Screwfix, the retailer to the trade, will be marking National Apprenticeship Week with the launch of their annual competition – Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2025 – open to all trade apprentices currently studying in the UK and Ireland. To find out more information and enter the competition follow the link here: https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/tradeapprentice