Following the success in developing future plumbing talent over the last four years, Nuneaton based shower manufacturer, Triton Showers , is continuing its ongoing sponsorship of its intensive two year course at Etone College, specifically designed to introduce 14 to 16 year olds into the plumbing industry.

This is the fifth year that Triton has sponsored the popular course, which leads to a BTEC Level 2 in Construction, and the 16 students currently taking part, will be hoping to pass with flying colours in June 2010.

Giving real grounding in plumbing basics, such as health and safety, mathematics, and plumbing and electrics, the course offers the ideal introduction to the industry.  Triton further supports this learning with access to the company’s hands-on training room, equipped with the latest showering technology, tours of the factory and sessions with the technical team, to give a rounded view and stand students in good stead when it comes to entering the plumbing sector.

Getting to grips with the newest products, the latest intake of students to the course made their first visit to Triton where technical manager, Steve Saunders, found out more about what being on the course, and Triton’s involvement, means to them, with answers ranging from:

• “It means I have a step towards my future.” Danny Brandon, age 14

• “Plumbing is something I have always been interested in and I would like to pursue plumbing to get new skills”. Tim Moreton, age 14

• “It’s good pay, my dad is a plumber and I like to fix things.” Phil Robinson, age 14

On completion of the course at Etone, students are then able to join the City and Guilds plumbing course at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College to continue their training.

Lorna Fellowes, Managing Director of Triton said: “This course has been running successfully for over four years now, with students gaining vital hands on experience and developing specialist skills. Too many schools are focused on students gaining places at university but the Etone College course recognises how this route does not suit everyone.

“Students are provided with a thorough introduction to all aspects of plumbing and, with more qualified plumbers needed within the industry, we aim to provide support and encouragement every step of the way.  We look forward to working with this latest intake of students from Etone Technology, Language and Vocational College over the coming year.”

Peter Kingham, Head Teacher of Etone College says: “The link with Triton is very rewarding as it provides a great opportunity for both the plumbing students as it enables them to gain first hand experience of how showers are constructed as well as installed. Etone College is proud of its links with local businesses and this initiative demonstrates how education can work closely with companies to benefit student training.”

Such is the success of this course, the college is hoping to add bricklaying to curriculum as soon as larger premises can be located.