Heating engineer and plumber

I’m a heating engineer and plumber because it combines problem-solving and practical skills with my passion for providing great customer care and service.

A close family member who’s a gas engineer influenced and helped me get where I am today. I have bilateral hearing loss, my right ear is profound and the left ear has moderate to severe hearing loss, aided by a behind-the-ear hearing aid.

Communication on my training courses had its challenges, however I had lots of visual one-to-ones and hands-on practice. I also had plenty of handouts from classroom work which helped.

I usually work on my own but have help if the job or workload needs it. I contact my customers and suppliers via SMS or emails. I rely on my hearing aid with Bluetooth connection, and on visual and physical motions, to detect some faults while working.

In the last three years, I’ve gone self-employed with my own plumbing and heating company. I’m now starting to see the rewards and success.

It’s important to be confident in yourself and your ability. If you can dream it, go for it. Take every opportunity you are given. You may come across challenges, but never give up.

Jake Francis