A FORMER call centre worker has launched a new career for herself in the plumbing industry.

Jill Cormack once held a number of administration and customer services roles for EDF, Virgin Money and Gateshead Housing Company.

However, the 26-year-old from Boldon, near Sunderland, has now taken on a four-year apprenticeship course, run by Gateshead College.

As part of the scheme, Jill is working towards a nationally recognised plumbing qualification and is employed by West Boldon-based TW Plumbing and Heating.

She said: “I’m a practical person and I’ve had a burning desire to be a plumber since the age of about 16.

“When I left school I ended up in a series of customer service roles and although a call centre environment is suitable for some people, it wasn’t really the career for me.

“In my last job as a housing assistant for Gentoo, I worked on several property maintenance projects that reinvigorated my interest in a plumbing career.

“I decided that, at the age of 26, it wasn’t too late to retrain and do something that I really enjoy.”

The apprenticeship sees Jill spend one day a week at college and four days working at TW Plumbing.

She hopes to be offered a full-time position with the firm when her training finishes.

She added: “I’m the only female plumber at the company but I feel comfortable working in a traditionally male-dominated environment.”

Martin Whitehead, TW Plumbing and Heating' director, said: “Jill has made an excellent first impression.

“We need to fast-track more young talent into our industry to prevent a skills shortage when older skilled workers retire.

"Our partnership with Gateshead College gives us every chance of achieving that.”