YOUNGSTERS trying their hand at plumbing on a training scheme run by Pimlico Plumbers found themselves in the media spotlight when Boris Johnson dropped in to see how they were getting on.
Billy Riches, 18, and Jamie Farrell, 20, from youth charity Prospex, were learning to tell their U-bends from their elbows at a Pimlico training workshop, under the guidance of the firm's top engineers, when the high profile Tory joined in their session.
Boris chatted with the pair about their training, before discussing the importance of youth training, and the idea of setting up on the job training centres at London companies, with Pimlico MD Charlie Mullins and Prospex head Matt Calvert,
After the meeting the Mayoral challenger Boris commented on the importance of getting youngsters into training, so they can develop ‘fulfilling and profitable' careers.
He said: "Through my 'Mayor's Fund for London' I aim to raise millions from the wealth creators in London to invest in a wide range of voluntary sector projects and employers training programmes - projects that prevent young people being sucked into gangs and crime."
Matt, who set up Prospex a decade ago to give young people ‘whatever they need' be it food, education, housing, or in this case job training, said: "I think Boris is a very personable fellow, which is a breath of fresh air for a politician.
"I think apprenticeship training and on the job training is the way forward, and the academy idea is definitely what we need to be doing. As an organisation it's a concept we would support."
And Charlie added: "We believe that as Mayor Boris is going to be very committed to helping youngsters into training.
"For years Pimlico Plumbers has been working hard to bring back old fashion apprenticeships, so it's great to at last have someone in power who is listening to us, and who understands what we have been saying all along.
"We're 100% behind Boris and we are hoping that in the future we will be able to work closely with him to put together the kind of training scheme that young people need to give them a prosperous future."
The young trainees spend half their time at Pimlico's Training Workshop, run by senior training manager Pat Murphy, learning the basics of the business, before accompanying the firm's qualified plumbers out on real jobs.
Billy said: "The training is great, I really enjoy getting out in the vans to people's homes and doing a proper jobs.
"It's great Boris is getting involved with young people and helping us, because people like me don't get heard, but Boris will, he's our voice."
And Jamie added: "It's brilliant, especially the hands on stuff out on the job. I've had the idea of getting into plumbing for a while, so if there was a proper apprenticeship I'd jump straight into it.
"It would be great if Boris would help to get something up and running - it would be great for people like me."
During his visit Boris toured the company, from the workshop and the garage, through the call centre and up to accounts, before setting up camp in the cafeteria, and with a mug of tea and a slice of cake, he chatted with staff as they took their morning breaks.
After the tour, Charlie said: "It was great to have Boris come down and meet all the staff and see how we do things here. Everyone was really pleased to meet him and found that he's a really down to earth, approachable fellow, who was genuinely interested in what they had to say.
"Today's visit has been a really positive experience, and a great first step in building a relationship that will give young people some great opportunities in life."