Daniel Jackson secured an apprenticeship with Smart Gas, part of Realise Training Group, following the collapse of his previous training provider.
He lost his life savings and was forced to move back home.
Daniel has now completed his apprenticeship with Smart Gas and acquired the Level 3 Gas Engineering qualification with a distinction. He has now started full-time employment with TAPT in Cheadle.
Daniel said: “I was doing a study-based training plumbing course with another provider, but four weeks in that company ceased trading.
“I lost the £6,000 I had paid for the course, which was my life’s savings. I had given up my job as a gym manager to take the course and had nothing. I had to move back home with my parents and take out a loan.
“For a two-week period I didn’t know what I was going to do. It was horrible.
“Fortunately, my friend helped to set me up as an apprentice, I found a place on the Smart Gas course and I managed to get my life back on track.”
Daniel managed to complete the apprenticeship in 12 months rather than the usual 18 months, completing his on-the-job training with a local plumbing services provider.
He continued: “The training from Smart Gas was excellent and the tutors were really helpful. Earning while training helped me get back on my feet after the previous disappointment.
“The staff were very accommodating and the training facilities were clean and well equipped.
“I enjoyed being a gym manager but I wanted to find a skilled job that was futureproof.
“Plumbing and gas appealed as it is a year-round trade. You have heating and boilers to keep you busy in the winter and the general plumbing side of things outside of those cold months.
“I’m really looking forward to getting going and perfecting my trade.”
Alexander Wood, apprenticeship coordinator at Smart Gas, added: “Daniel has performed exceptionally well throughout the course and has been a model student, completing it at an impressive pace through consistent hard work and dedication.
“This course will have a significant impact on his future, enabling him to begin his career in the trade and provide essential support for his young family.”