From Humble Beginnings to GJS Plumbing & Heating Services LTD
From what started with humble beginnings, knowing that Gary will one day work for himself, was a student who's life dramatically changed after taking a leap of faith towards a career he always wanted.
Former Plumbing and Gas Student Gary Simmonds, who is now oozing with self-belief, will be the first to tell you he was never the most confident person in the room.
Through years of hard work, training and gaining experience in the real world, Gary now holds his head high after successfully starting up his own company; GJS Plumbing and Heating Services LTD. But let's find out a bit more about how he started...
What were you doing before?
Before I got into Plumbing and Gas, I actually used to work for a furniture delivery company. Not only did we deliver the furniture but we fitted them too and funnily enough, the job actually allowed me to travel throughout Europe! I have some great memories and stories I'll have to tell you another time, but long story short, I knew it wasn't a career forever. You see as time went on, I started to think more seriously about what I wanted to do.
It was at that point when one of my best mates' father ran a maintenance company who gave me my first insight into the real world of Plumbing and Gas. He knew I had a good work ethic and decided to take me on and I'm very grateful he did.
What was the next step?
You have to stay true to yourself and another thing I knew was that I really wanted to learn a trade I can turn into a career. The maintenance company gave me a good introduction into trade work and it was at that point I decided to go for my City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing Course, before eventually going for my NVQ Level 2 Plumbing Assessments.
Now many know that Plumbing naturally goes hand in hand with Gas, and it was music to my ears knowing that Able Skills offered a Qualified Plumber Gas Training Package.
Not only did the course take me through my Gas Safety Training, but Able Skills were able to guarantee me a work portfolio placement as well as allow me to undertake my all ACS Exams . I've now come back to undergo my 1st Re-assessment after successfully running GJS Plumbing & Heating Services LTD for 3 years!
How has it shaped you as a person?
I look back and laugh at myself now. I used to be so quiet before all of this and I'm really overwhelmed at how far I've come. The instructors would even tell you how I was, although I may not have seen it at the time, I didn't quite believe in myself as much as I do now.
I'm so much more confident and I believe going after what you want, helps bring who you really are out. I can't thank the instructors here enough as they were so patient with me, learning at my pace and helping me engage with the course material. If it wasn't for them, I would have been put off working in the industry!
What would you say to those looking to follow in your footsteps?
Guys, seriously take a leap of faith. You have to remember I was in your shoes for years and I know how it feels to take a risk towards a good career. Do yourself a favour and take it from me, if you want to be successful, you have to give it 100%.
Not only that, but you have to have the right attitude to begin with and if you are looking to go self employed in the future, I advise you to not go out on your own straight away. I would recommend you gain some experience through finding someone to take you on.
We hope the above has motivated you guys to taking the first step towards the career you really want and highlight the value of training in order to reach success.
We know Gary's journey won't end here as Gary 2.0 is sure to hit even more milestones! We wish you all the best in the future and if you ever need anything, you know where to find us!