Bright future's in the pipeline (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bright future's in the pipeline

Eileen Vaughan with the tools of her trade Ref: 77822-38EILEEN Vaughan has swapped moisturiser for a monkey wrench. The trainee gas installer is one of 12 people from Wiltshire who is celebrating after finishing a JobCentre Plus scheme to become a gas technician after 10 years of unemployment.

Eileen, 36, last worked as beauty and holistic therapist before having children.

Now she has secured a job with British Gas and is delighted that she's finished the course.

The mum of three said: "I was the only woman on the course which seemed a bit daunting but the tutors were very positive.

"I think things are beginning to change, but we're in the building industry and it will always be male-dominated.

"But I'd like to encourage more women to come into this industry."

Eileen, of Leigh near Cricklade, enrolled after speaking to a lone parent adviser at the Swindon JobCentre.

She said: "I now have a secure job with British Gas and have financial security for myself and my children.

"It's been an intense six months of training but it has all been worthwhile as I am now starting a new career. I've had lots of support from JobCentre Plus and from friends and family who have helped with looking after my children.

"It has been difficult at times for the children because I'm out all day so they have to go to a childminder, but it's worth it."

Eileen is now working for British Gas under supervision, and will eventually get Corgi accreditation after several months of work.

After that she is likely to become a regional technician for British Gas serving the Swindon and Cotswolds area.

With her fellow 11 trainee gas fitters, she attended a ceremony in Wootton Bassett on Thursday.

The course Eileen attended is called Ambition:Energy and was launched in 2002 to attract more people into the industry.

It takes 27 weeks to complete and is a joint effort between the Energy and Utility Skills, which looks after skills in the workforce, and local employers.

Other students have got jobs with GasTec in Swindon.

Tom Morton