A day in the life of an APS apprentice

Person twisting the valve off a radiator

Our in-house contractor,  APS (Arthington Property Services), supports apprentices in getting the skills they need to kickstart their careers. Apprentices work alongside the rest of the team to learn various skills from replacing bathrooms, kitchens to fitting windows, and doors.

In this blog, we meet Alfie McVeigh, who joined APS as a plumbing and heating apprentice back in May 2024. We caught up with Alfie to find out more about his apprenticeship journey and what he’s been working on.

Where it all started

I’ve been doing my Level 3 Domestic Plumbing and Heating apprenticeship for 3 years now.

My brother-in-law inspired me to become a plumber. His line of work looked different to what my other family members were doing, which really intrigued me to apply for an apprenticeship within this sector.

A typical week

I attend Leeds College of Building every Monday, where I spend my time working both in the workshop and on my portfolio. I then spend the rest of the week with APS.

What I work on in the week can vary depending on when our Multi Skilled Operatives complete their jobs and when new jobs open.

I start every day by checking in with the Plumbing Supervisor, Kyle to find out what jobs we’re working on and what materials I need.

If we’re carrying out second-fix works, the Multi-Skilled Operatives will let us know in advance when the area will be ready. The second fix refers to the stage after all structural, hidden, or preparatory work (known as the first fix) has been completed. During the second fix, the visible and final components are installed and finished.

Once they’re ready for us, depending on the job, we’ll then install new appliances such as new basins, showers (mixer or electric), radiators, and heat pumps.

We also first fix the bathrooms, ready for the Multi Skilled Operatives to begin work. First fix is everything that happens between laying down foundations and finishing plastering, this could include constructing floors, ceilings, walls and inserting cables and pipes for water supply.

Depending on the refurbishment being carried out, this may involve installing a bath, a shower tray, or a wet room shower area. I enjoy the variety of work we undertake, and the team make a professional finish to any job!

Person fitting a bath into a renovated room

Balancing work and studies

Outside of work, I focus on my college portfolio, completing assignments and producing detailed written records for my coursework. My mentor, Kyle, takes photos of me working to send to my tutor who also visits me on-site to watch me work.

I always try to stay on top of portfolio work, as it can become easy to fall behind!

Skills for life

Through my apprenticeship, I have gained a great deal of insight into plumbing, along with an understanding of how to handle unexpected problems. I’ve also gained a lot of knowledge on the different types of heating systems and how to identify these in homes.

APS has given me opportunities to get the experience needed to make me become the best version of myself!

Favourite parts

I enjoy the freedom of being allowed to plan my jobs out and install them using my own initiative. I also enjoy being part of a team where we all try and help each other out when problems arise. It’s very reassuring knowing that we’re all trying to look out for each other.

Future ambitions

I’m really looking forward to being on the Gas Safe Register and being a fully competent plumber! I’m also looking forward to helping others with any solutions or installations they need, knowing I can apply the knowledge I’ve learned.

Advice for aspiring apprentices

My advice would be to just jump at any opportunity you get to get started; you won’t regret it! It’s a skill for life and it can lead you anywhere.

Also, try and ask as many questions as you can! This will help you gain an understanding as to why a job has been done a particular way and absorb as much knowledge as possible.

Alfie recently received positive feedback from his tutor, who praised his hard work:

“Alfie is a fantastic student with an outstanding attitude towards his learning. He’s very polite, respectful, and well-liked by everyone in the class. His reliability, focus, and consistent effort make him a pleasure to teach.

In the workshop, Alfie continues to produce work of a very high standard. He has a natural ability with the practical side of the course and is now showing confidence and independence in his work.

Alfie is a model learner who is a credit to both him and the college. His attitude, consistency, and commitment to improvement are excellent. If he continues to apply himself in the same way, he will go on to achieve outstanding results. Keep up the fantastic work, Alfie – you are doing brilliantly.”

“The qualities Alfie shows fully embrace the ethos of APS and its drive to deliver exceptional customer service, through quality of work, being respectful to colleagues and customers and consistency of performance. By engaging and employing apprentices, we have the opportunity to mould and develop the future generations of trades to ensure customer homes are well maintained and meet the Decent Homes Standard. This helps ensure they meet the aspirations of Leeds Federated and supports our aim to help people make a home.”

Operations Manager, Steve Preston