July 2003
Tomorrow's plumbers
Trainee membership of the Institute of Plumbing (IoP) has risen dramatically this year. Statistics show that there has been a 100% increase, compared with this time last year. The typical age group of a Trainee member on a plumbing course is around 35 years and appears to be rising. The majority of these students are changing careers.Colleges throughout the UK have been able to fill their plumbing courses many times over and have huge waiting lists for the autumn. A high percentage of plumbing teachers are members of the IoP and they encourage their students to become members of the industry's only professional body. This, along with the introduction of the student newsletter Plumbing Matters, which gives information on the role of the Institute, is expected to attract even more people into membership.
The Women in Plumbing Group (WPG) has also had an effect on membership. The Secretary, Carol Cannavan reports that before the Group was formed in August 2002 there were only 50 female members of the Institute. Since then there has been over a 50% increase.
Kevin Wellman, Operations Director, says: "It’s been amazing. Membership across the board is generally up and all indications show that it is likely to increase significantly in 2003."
ENDS (210 WORDS)
July 2003
