On 29 July almost 100 people gathered at the House of Lords to hear the outcome of research into apprenticeships and professional recognition in the plumbing and heating industry.
The event was hosted by Baroness Wall of New Barnet, who is a passionate supporter of ‘Fit for purpose’ training. In 2013 she was awarded Honorary Member of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (AAN), for her championing role and support for apprenticeships.
CIPHE (the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering) and SummitSkills led the research project, which was funded by the Gatsby Foundation. Information was gathered over a 12-week period from focus groups and questionnaires and around 800 employees and owner/directors of business from across the plumbing and heating sector participated.
SummitSkills general manager, Nigel Hollett, said: “We have been involved in the development of apprenticeships for many years and we are pleased to be acting as the secretariat for this project. We hope this research will provide a valuable springboard to the development of a new apprenticeship standard that builds on the excellent work undertaken by employers and other stakeholders to date.”
The main survey was conducted over a three-week period, with 500 employers, individuals and industry organisations responding. It looked at how the current apprenticeship system for the plumbing and heating sector is working. One of its aims was to identify support amongst micro SMEs for professional recognition, such as Engineering Council registration.
The findings revealed that 98% of respondents think it is important that the plumbing and heating industry should collectively promote career progression.
More than 83% think that apprenticeships should lead towards registration with Engineering Council at EngTech level, while 97% believe it is important for the industry to recruit more apprentices.
Only 40% of those surveyed think that the current qualification system is fit for purpose and meets the needs of apprentices, employers and the industry as a whole.
It is hoped that the findings of the research will help in developing a new, employer-led ‘Trailblazer’ Apprenticeship for the industry.
CIPHE chief executive, Kevin Wellman, said: “The response from industry has been overwhelming and I commend all those who have participated so far in this important research. It recognises the need for meaningful apprenticeships and the value of professional recognition.”
He continued: “We are especially grateful to the Gatsby Foundation for funding support for the research. The collaboration between the trade associations, training organisations and the CIPHE in encouraging employers to develop future apprenticeship standards is vital and I hope that the Government recognise this by sanctioning a plumbing and heating Trailblazer.”