Train 4 Trade Skills’s new home-learning plumbing courses that combine theory with an unique, £100,000 PC based virtual house to test plumbing skills, leading to industry-recognised qualifications, has so far attracted over 2,500 would-be plumbers, including over 100 ladies, since the 2007 launch.

The company is now supplementing the theory and PC based training with new, hands-on, residential workshops in Southampton, Guildford and Leeds.

Mike Head from Train 4 Trade Skills said “Over a third of school leavers just don’t want to take further education, they want to get straight into the job market . So a course such as ours that provides the chance to study trade skills around existing job commitments is perfect, but this is not just for youngsters, but for mid-career changes too.

We currently have ex-naval officer, a former paramedic and a number of housewives studying with us. The fact they can study in the comfort of their own home, using a unique blend of theory, virtual reality skills test and hands-on practical training, means they can combine getting their plumbing qualifications with their existing full-time job, without getting under the feet of a working plumber”.

Email: m.stuart-miller@virgin.net