A MOTHER of three from Northolt is making a radical career change by leaving her role as a florist and taking up a plumbing apprenticeship at the Dickens Yard construction site in Ealing.

Candice Allvey, 31, is one of 40 apprentices being given the opportunity to work on St George developments.

The homes builder, part of the Berkeley Group, is supporting apprentices across all disciplines.

Each performs a trade on the St George’s site, with skills ranging from plumbing and electrics to administration and office support.

Candice said: “The contrast between industries is quite striking but, through ongoing training, mentor reviews and regular contact with my line manager, the transition has been made so much easier.

“I still enjoy arranging flowers from time to time, but knowing your way around water pipes has its own advantages, too.”

Madalitso Banda, 19, from Ealing Broadway, also works on the Dickens Yard development in a business administration apprenticeship role.

Madalitso said: “Before this apprenticeship, I volunteered at TASHA Foundation in Brentford, while attending West Thames College. Having the chance to enhance my skillset on a development only minutes from home has a great number of benefits, not only in terms of my career progression, but also giving back to the local community.”

National Apprenticeship Week runs until Friday and is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Skills Funding Agency.

Located in the heart of Ealing town centre, Dickens Yard is a mixed-use development that is helping to drive the regeneration of Ealing.

It will comprise 698 flats, shops and restaurants and three new public squares. A total of 175 people are currently working on the site.