subject: Teacher Swaps Pupils for Plumbing [print this page] Teacher Swaps Pupils for Plumbing Teacher Swaps Pupils for Plumbing
A female teacher from Derby decided to change career and become a plumber after investigating plumbing courses.Philippa Cunningham, a 48-year-old supply teacher, chose to substitute school for sinks when she read a leaflet which came through her letter box advertising plumbing courses, the Derby Telegraph reported.Ms Cunningham had worked in a number of schools during her life as a supply teacher but felt the time was right for a change of job and opted to try for a career in the plumbing industry.She told the newspaper: "I really enjoyed teaching and met some fantastic and special people. But I'd always wanted to do something different with my life. I considered a number of options, such as running a coffee shop, a book shop, a pub or guest house."Ms Cunningham enjoyed her plumbing courses as soon as she started her voyage of learning and was able to use the skills she accrued as a platform to set up her own business.She told the Telegraph: "I decided to go for it and realised very quickly it was one of the best decisions I'd ever made. The day I started the course I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation at the changes and possibilities."The former teacher launched the female plumbing service Pink Plumbing after she completed her training and although she felt nervous and excited initially she has not looked back since.She told the newspaper: "I decided on the name because not only is the alliteration in the title quite catchy but pink is also my favourite colour."Ms Cunningham completed a sequence of approved and accredited NVQ learning in order to become a fully qualified plumber.The required foundation plumbing courses for beginners is the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2, which will allow people to advance onto NVQ level 3.Ms Cunningham is hoping to take advantage of the fact she is offering a female plumbing service as this may appeal to elderly people and certain religious groups who feel more comfortable with women plumbers.She told the Telegraph: "I'm very excited about getting started. My goal is to offer a friendly service that people can rely on. I believe there is room for some healthy competition and that is what I hope to offer the public, another choice."Derbyshire residents will be able to spot Ms Williams driving around the region as she has chosen a bright pink van to help her stand out from the crowd.
