I have been in the plumbing industry for 57 years as a time served fully qualified plumbing and heating engineer.
Back in the 1960s, 70s and even 80s, health and safety was not really about, so we were always working on our bare knees on hard wet and dry solid floors, and on roofs where we completed lead flashings and weathering’s.
Now I suffer with osteoarthritis in my knees and also my hands. I had left knee keyhole surgery three years ago, but it hasn’t worked out for me and so I am always strapped up.
I am almost 72-years of age and I am still working as a self-employed plumber and constantly on my knees.
I have to have pain killing tablets and I am now waiting for two new knee operations.
I started in plumbing when I was 15 back in 1962, attended college and I got all my plumbing qualifications.
My first full week’s pay was £1-10 shillings or £1.50 for 50 hours hard work. When I became a fully qualified at 21, my first week’s pay packet was £21.
I also lectured part-time on plumbing from 2006-2015, then the college owner decided to take out my college course because of the finances and cost of materials to his college.
I lost my job lecturing and I have written thousands of job applications all over the place to colleges and training centres.
I have vast experience and qualifications in my craft of plumbing, but I cannot get another lecturing position.
I am sure I could help students get through the current skills shortages.
Alan Marshall
A Marshall Plumbing Services
Stoke-on-Trent
Editor’s note: If you can help Alan with lecturing work, please contact HPM direct at tim.wood@markallengroup.com and I will forward on your details.