Meet the tutor – David Tallents

10 Feb 2025

Throughout National Apprenticeship Week we’ll be shining the spotlight on some of our tutors who lead our apprenticeship training.

Dave Tallents has worked as a tutor at OEA for 2 years and teaches plumbing and heating. Here he shares what he did prior to teaching and what motivated him to move into this field.

What did you do before teaching?

“After completing a full apprenticeship and working on sites, I set up my own business, which I ran for 16 years. I worked as a plumbing and heating installer, delivered bathrooms installations, and micro-cement and polished concrete bathroom applications.”

What motivated you to move into teaching?

“I was drawn to teaching by a burning desire to help people achieve their goals and reach their full potential”

Why OEA?

“I knew OEA well, as Dave and Nick had taught me in the past, it seemed like a great place for me to explore a new career.”

What do you enjoy about teaching?

“I typically teach apprentices and level 2 evening diploma and find it rewarding creating fun and engaging lesson plans, hereby helping the learners to enjoy their time at OEA.

The thing I enjoy most about working at OEA is seeing plumbing apprentices achieve their goals.”

How would your past students describe you in three words?

“Helpful, Positive and motivating.”

Outside of teaching what do you enjoy doing?

“Resistance training at the gym, going for walks, reading, and trying to support Tottenham – It’s a challenge!”

Favourite places to go?

“Cotswolds for walks, and holidays abroad with the family.”