Building a successful business after getting qualified
Posted in Career Support, Plumbing on March 16th, 2011 by OLCIMany students train with us because they want to set up their own business whilst others want to join a company. Whichever path is preferred, you could benefit from our support.
Former OLCI student Steven Flower decided he wanted his own business. Now, just 18 months after he passed his Become a Qualified Plumber assessments, he is running his own plumbing business S.A.F. Plumbing & Heating, with bookings several months in advance.
Starting and growing a business
“I found the training from OLCI invaluable. They gave me the skills to develop my career and helped me get the qualifications I needed. Looking back, receiving the knowledge to do different jobs was very important” said Steven.
Steven also shared some important advice on how he’s managed to grow his business. “I work hard to keep customers happy” he said. “I show up when I say I’m going to, I keep to my quote, I charge reasonable rates and I only accept payment when a customer is happy. By being trustworthy, one job often leads to several more jobs and a flourishing business.”
In building his team, Steven looks for people who have a can-do attitude and are multi-skilled, often being able to do plumbing work as well as tiling, plastering or renewable work.
Would you like your own business?
Students can benefit from OLCI’s Business Support Service1 where you can learn more about how you can set-up and develop your own trade business. Alternatively, students wanting to work for a company can use our Job Support Service1 where we can help you with CV’s and covering letters, and we’ll aim to match you to vacancies from our industry contacts. For either service, please call Student Services on 020 7430 8447.
1 Available on selected courses, including ‘Become a Qualified Plumber’, ‘ Become a Qualified Plumber – Advanced’, ‘Become a Gas Engineer’, ‘Become a Fully Qualified Electrician’ and ‘Become a Domestic Electrical Installer’.
