Plumbing and heating learners taking EAL qualifications are a step closer to professional accreditation, after the awarding organisation received official recognition from CIPHE.
Professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry, CIPHE has accepted EAL's Level 3 heating and plumbing qualifications for Engineering Technician (EngTech) status.

Learners will have the opportunity to become a member of the organisation, and be eligible for benefits including professional accreditation, if they complete one of the following qualifications:

EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (all elements)
EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating (all elements)
EAL Level 3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation Installation (all elements)
EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heating and Ventilating

Elizabeth Bonfield, head of business Innovation at EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, said: 'We are delighted to be able to offer our learners and centres the chance to register with CIPHE, the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating centre.

'Learners will get the chance to apply for EngTech status through CIPHE membership after completing EAL's Level 3 heating and plumbing qualifications. Similarly, training providers and employers offering the qualifications can also apply for industry recognition. This will be a huge benefit to everyone involved and we look forward to working closely with CIPHE in future.'

Kevin Wellman, chief executive of CIPHE, said: 'I am pleased that the CIPHE and EAL are collaborating by offering qualifications that lead to professional recognition and at the same time reaffirm our role in supporting educational standards within our industry.

'These qualifications provide the plumbing and heating industry with the means to demonstrate that it has a skilled, competent and committed workforce which bodes well for the future.'