Two young apprentices from Steve Willis Training Centres joined the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, and other dignitaries at the famous Plumbers Apprentice statue, nicknamed 'Bertie', at London Cannon Street station this week.

Theo Hines and Luke Ellyatt, Level 3 Plumbing Apprentices who train at the Steve Willis Burgess Hill Centre, have been awarded Plumbers’ Company bursaries for young plumbers.

They were each delighted to receive £1,000 in vouchers from Monument Tools, which sponsored the bursaries. They were presented with their awards by Master Robert Burgon, who is also the former chairman of the Plumbing World Council, and attended a lunch after the presentation.

The Worshipful Company of Plumbers traces its history in London back to 1365. Theo and Luke were fascinated to learn more about the Company from the Master, and proud to be receiving the awards.

Theo Hines, 19, said: “It has been a very inspiring day. I didn’t realise all the opportunities and pathways that are open to engineers through the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.”

Luke Ellyatt, 18, added: “I am really grateful to the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, the bursary will help me to set myself up as a plumber.”