Ming Hei Chiu (who likes to be known as Hei) joined Comserv in October 2024 as a Plumber Improver. Hei is retraining from a very different career and working in an entirely different country and whilst speaking a different language to his native tongue. We sat down with Hei to find out a bit more about him and his journey. 

Tell me a bit about your background – where have you worked in the past?

I worked as a merchandising manager in a handbag factory for 11 years in Hong Kong. Then I worked in the beer and wine trading industry for 3 years before I left Hong Kong and moved to the UK in 2023.

What made you decide to get into Plumbing repairs? Did you consider any other trades?

I wanted to work on something new and hands on when I moved to a new country. As a Physics graduate, plumbing and the electrical trades were the most interesting to me. I chose Plumbing because this is the skill set that I am very likely to apply to daily life.

What is the full title of your course and where did you study?

Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating which I studied at Core Vocation Training Ltd in Southampton.

How did you find the course in terms of how difficult/informative it was?

The course was very comprehensive covering everything I need to know about plumbing and heating, including practical training for all kind of plumbing works.

What made you decide to join Comserv?

Comserv is a very supportive company for people like me, who have done the training but still need to gain practical work experience. Comserv have provided me with the opportunity to learn through hands on experience in reactive maintenance with an experienced plumber, which is exactly what I want to do.

When did you join Comserv? And How was the Application process?

I joined Comserv in October 2024. I sent an email to Comserv after I had completed my Level 2 Diploma in September 2024. I’ve received a reply a few days later with an interview date. I received an offer a week later for a role as a plumber improver and I confirmed the offer right away with HR. I am very grateful for the offer.

How have you found working with the other Operatives as an Improver?

This is a perfect start for me as a new plumber. My mentor’s have taught me practical skills and let me work on my own, whilst they lead me through the whole process. This is the best way for me to learn to be a professional plumber. The other Operatives have all been very supportive and helpful.

How have you found it going into Tenant’s homes?

I like to meet new people. Going into tenant’s home is an interesting experience. I do enjoy the chance to speak to people and interact with them.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to a school leaver or someone who is considering a career/education change?

Definitely yes. This is the best way to start or change your career if you want to learn a trade for your career.

What do you like about your job?

Helping people by solving their problem is the most satisfying thing in my job.

Would you like to help to train new apprentices in the future?

Once I have enough experience in the future I would like to give it a try.

What would you say to your younger self if you had your time over?

Choose a job you are really interested and talented in.

If I were to choose again. I would have gone into something I was really interested in and developed my career from there. It may have started slowly moneywise but anyone can be successful if you put enough effort in.

Being a merchandising manager made money but was not something I was really interested in. I was not really interested in the products (which was fashion), so after working there for more than ten years I was bored and had a complete lack of enthusiasm for my job. I found I was only staying for the money, but not for my own fulfilment.

What are your future plans? Where do you hope your Career will take you?

My short term goal is to solidify my plumbing skills. My long term goal is to explore more aspects of the plumbing trade, such as unvented systems, heating, boilers, heat pumps, etc.

Anything else you’d like to add?

As a newcomer to this country and a non-native English speaker, it is not easy to find a job in trade without any experience.

I would like to say thank you to Comserv who have given me this chance to achieve my goal!