Mike Shepherd, 46, from Llanelli spent 28 years in the Armed Forces and travelled around the world before realising that he wanted a career change of scenery and a new challenge. ‘I joined the Royal Navy at 16 and, after reaching my resettlement age, I found myself working in an office and carrying out tasks that didn’t offer any mental stimulation. When considering the possibilities open to me after leaving the Forces I decided that a trade could offer financial security and a challenge too.’

 

He enrolled on a part time plumbing NVQ over a seven-year period whilst still serving before starting a gas engineering course at BST, now the Connaught Academy (see the advertisement on page 35). He then gained a work placement with their parent company, Connaught Plc, as part of the course. Upon completing the course he was offered a permanent position and started his new career just two days after leaving the Navy.

 

As a qualified plumber and gas engineer his role includes installing and maintaining boilers in social housing properties throughout Pembrokeshire. He found the training a struggle at times but doesn’t regret taking the step later in life. ‘I love every aspect of my job and the fact that it is so hands on and practical. Because of the different training courses I’ve undertaken I am equipped to carry out a number of different tasks and enjoy the variety and no two days being the same.’