We set up APS (Arthington Property Services) in 2020 as our in-house contractor to replace customer bathrooms, kitchens, windows, and doors as part of our ongoing maintenance and upgrade programme. Over the last year, APS has supported several apprentices in getting started with their careers.
In this blog we meet 19-year-old Oakley Welsh who joined APS as a plumbing and heating apprentice in May 2024. Before starting his apprenticeship, Oakley worked with his uncle onsite.
“I became interested in the plumbing and heating aspects of jobs while working onsite with my uncle. It was something I could really get my teeth into…and I loved it!”
Oakley begins a typical day at APS by checking in with his supervisor, Kyle Delaney, and then collecting equipment and materials for the day.
“Jobs usually involve us taking out old bathrooms and cleaning up the area to leave things safe for customers. We also replace pipework as needed and fit the new bathrooms. Customer service is a big part of the job too – being polite, well-mannered and respecting customers’ homes is really important and makes the job easier.”
As well as working at APS, Oakley also attends Leeds College of Building on a part-time basis to support his apprenticeship.
“I’m looking forward to passing my college coursework and moving into the heating section. Alongside college, I’ve been given the opportunity to get a hands-on, in-depth apprenticeship at APS, and I’ve been shown things onsite that my peers at college haven’t experienced in their training.
“I really do love my job at APS. I find the company great as a whole. Colleagues are all friendly and it’s very much a family-oriented environment. If I’m ever stuck people are always there to help.”
Reflecting on Oakley’s work and the apprenticeship, his supervisor, Kyle, said:
“Oakley is a great lad, always on time and willing to work. He has a great attitude towards work, is always smiling, and he’s always smart and presentable. The apprenticeship programme is a great way to help young people get started in their careers and we’re proud that our work supports Leeds Federated’s social purpose to ‘help people make a home’.”
If you’re interested in future apprenticeships at APS, get in touch by emailing hello@arthingtonproperty.co.uk