Meet the Member – Daisy Turner

case studies - Issue 28

Daisy Turner, trainee member of the CIPHE, decided to do an NVQ Level 2 diploma in Plumbing and Heating in 2018/19, which she funded privately in the hope that it would help her to gain an apprenticeship within the plumbing and heating industry.

“I’ve always liked the idea of being hands on,” says Daisy. “An office job just wouldn’t suit me. Being able to use practical skills and achieve job satisfaction is what matters most to me.”

Daisy officially entered the plumbing and heating industry as an apprentice with Toucan Heating & Plumbing in 2020, aged 20. The following September, she started the NVQ Level 3 in Plumbing and Heating, with a gas pathway, at Barking & Dagenham College.

“I decided to go into the heating and plumbing industry because it covers diverse subjects, which means I won’t get bored doing the same thing every day,” explains Daisy.

“Although my Level 2 qualification didn’t directly lead to me finding an apprenticeship, it did help me to settle in, as I had previous knowledge and experience that I could apply to my new role.

“I currently work in all areas of plumbing and heating, including bathroom refurbishments, heating system upgrades and maintenance.”

High achiever

Daisy likes to keep busy and her numerous accolades, which include winning HIP Magazine’s Learner of the Year and its Female Skills Competition, are testament to her dedication to the plumbing and heating industry.

“To win both HIP Learner of the Year and the Female Skills Competition is insane, it’s an incredible achievement,” she told WaterSafe, which, along with the CIPHE, is a sponsor of the HIP Learner of the Year competition. “It’s rewarding to know my hard work has paid off. It’s not just the competition days, but the lead-up to it, with extra hours spent at college practising techniques.

“The key thing I’ve gained from the competition is confidence in my abilities. Initially, the tasks felt overwhelming but when I got stuck in, I was in the zone. I always say, as long as you do your best you can’t go wrong, and that was certainly my experience. It’s reassured my employer that I’m capable and that allowing me the time off to compete is worthwhile as it has helped to boost my skills.

“Being able to tell other tradespeople and customers that I won these competitions gives them confidence in me and means they don’t just see me as an apprentice.”

Team player

Daisy became a member of the CIPHE through the Professional Plumbing Development Scheme (PPDS). The PPDS, which started in January 2024, is a joint scheme delivered by the CIPHE and The Worshipful Company of Plumbers for the early-career development of talent in the plumbing and heating sector.

“I hold a trainee membership which gives me access to a range of resources, including contacts for help with problems,” explains Daisy. “I’ll be honest; I am yet to use them as I have the support I need from my employer, but it’s more that I know it’s there if I need it. Customers often look for tradespeople who are accredited to an awarding body and/or belong to an institution as it gives them faith in the tradespeople they are trusting to carry out projects.

“Plumbing and heating is such a diverse subject. There are many different paths you can go down, whether you choose to be competent in all aspects or specialise in a particular area depending on your interests and skillset.

“People really can make a unique business under the umbrella of plumbing.”

Current endeavours

Daisy is currently in her third year at college working towards her NVQ Level 3 Plumbing, Water Regs Certificate, Unvented Water Ticket and Gas Certificate.

“Gaining a gas qualification will widen my knowledge and job prospects,” asserts Daisy. “There’s no doubt renewables are coming into the industry at full force but, realistically, the thousands of pre-existing gas appliances mean there’s no way you could disregard the gas side of the industry.

“My employer is very supportive of all its employees gaining qualifications in subjects they’re interested in. If we are willing to apply ourselves and show dedication, they are more than happy for us to do the training.

Daisy Turner, trainee member of the CIPHE, is a multi-award-winning apprentice who is currently in her third year at college, working towards her Level 3 Plumbing, Water Regs Certificate, Unvented Water Ticket and Gas Certificate.

Daisy's achievements

• Second place in Lewisham College International Women’s Day Competition 2022.

• First place in Lewisham College International Women’s Day Competition 2023.

• One of six winners of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers’ bursary award.

• First place in Lewisham College International Women’s Day Competition 2024.

• First place in HIP Learner of the Year South East regional competition 2024.

• Second place in HIP Female Skills South East regional competition 2024.

• First place in HIP Learner of the Year final 2024.

• First place in HIP Female Skills final 2024.

• Apprentice of the month award in February 2024 at Barking & Dagenham College.

• Currently competing in WorldSkills 2024.

• Placed third in the South East regional for SkillPLUMB in June 2024 and is in reserve for the nationals in November.