Catching up with Aaron Robinson: apprentice to qualified plumber

We first spoke to Aaron Robinson when he was four years into his plumbing apprenticeship with Celsius Plumbing and Heating in Edinburgh, splitting his time between Edinburgh College and hands-on work alongside qualified engineers.

With apprentices across Scotland and other parts of the UK starting or returning to their training this September, we thought it was about time we caught up with him again to find out what's changed.

Q: Last time we spoke, you were four years into your training. What have you been up to since?

A: Since then I've completed my apprenticeship and qualified as a plumber. I've taken on a lot more responsibility, working on my own jobs as well as larger projects with the team. It's been good looking back and seeing how much I've learned over the last few years.

Q: What does a typical week look like for you now?

A: Every week is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job. I could be servicing boilers one day, carrying out plumbing repairs the next or installing full heating systems. No two jobs are ever quite the same, which keeps things interesting.

Q: What's the most satisfying part of the job?

A: Solving problems for customers. A lot of the time, people call us because they have no heating, no hot water or a leak that's causing them stress. Being able to fix the issue and leave knowing everything is working properly again is really satisfying.

Q: Has anything about working with water and plumbing surprised you since you started?

A: I don't think most people realise how much knowledge goes into plumbing. It's not just fitting pipes. You need to understand heating systems, water regulations, fault-finding and customer service as well. There's always something new to learn.

Q: Our research found that younger plumbers are less aware than most of the health risks of lead solder. What have you learned about that during your training, and why does it matter?

A: It's something we covered during training, and it's taken seriously; being part of WaterSafe Register’s Lead-Free solder campaign back in 2024 helped boost my understanding. Modern plumbing standards are there for a reason, and using the correct materials helps protect drinking water and people's health. Following the regulations is an important part of doing the job properly.

Q: If you were talking to a homeowner about to hire a plumber, what would you tell them to look for?

A: I'd always recommend checking they're properly qualified and registered with recognised organisations where appropriate. Reading reviews and asking questions about their experience can also help give you confidence you're choosing someone who takes pride in their work.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about a plumbing apprenticeship this year?

A: Go for it. If you enjoy practical work and like solving problems, it's a great career. Every day is different, there's always something new to learn, and you build skills that will stay with you for life.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: I'd like to keep building my experience, continue developing my skills and hopefully be helping to train the next generation of apprentices. I remember how much I learned from the engineers around me, so it would be good to pass that on.

Thinking of becoming a plumber?

Find out more about apprenticeships and the qualifications you'll need at watersafe.org.uk/becomeaplumber.

Looking for a plumber you can trust?

Search our directory of WaterSafe-registered installers at watersafe.org.uk.