Despite having left school with no GCSEs, Plymouth-based Pariz Reed has become an example of how an apprenticeship can be a far more suitable route into work for some people.

The young professional realised the opportunities that an apprenticeship could provide her while she was studying for a plumbing course at her local college. While the academic requirements that she needed to be accepted as a potential apprentice did prove challenging for her, she persevered with her Apprenticeship assessment and – with a little help and encouragement from her tutors – began her training in 2010 with pipefitting company, Pipex Ltd.

Pariz is also an example of how typically male-dominated areas such as construction can easily be infiltrated by dedicated female workers, whose services are often in high demand by female or vulnerable clients.

Pariz caught the eye of her local newspaper, the Western Morning News, earlier this year, which published a full feature on the young tradeswoman, highlighting her route to success. Pariz trained for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Pipe Fitting (Fabrication and Welding) as part of only the second ever intake of apprentices at Pipex.

Her supervisor at the company, Lee Hogan, said that during the course of her apprenticeship Pariz has shown all the qualities needed for a successful career in plumbing, while gaining vital experience of the technology needed for everyday work.

“Pariz is a great advert for women who want to pursue a career in the engineering industry,” he told the newspaper. “She has gained an NVQ Level 3 in Engineering and is a competent thermo-plastic welder within the company. Pariz is an enthusiastic individual always willing to learn. Her approach to work is very methodical and analytical which makes her very precise – these are great qualities to have within the industry.”

One of her tutors, Dave Caddy, added, “Pariz was very keen to complete an engineering Apprenticeship and showed determination from the start to make the most of the learning experience and embrace the challenge. She was very quick to pick up the new skills required and regularly demonstrated an aptitude for the engineering topics.”

Since completing her qualifications, Pariz has been taken on as a full-time employee at Pipex Ltd, working as a thermo-plastic welder and CNC machine operator.