July 2004
Consumer protection
More people than ever are considering a career in plumbing, but many are taking short-cuts, which could prove to be a big problem for consumers.
Professional plumbers train for years to get their qualifications and update their skills at every opportunity. Now it seems a growing number of people are glibly calling themselves plumbers after completing a five or ten week course, or worse still believe they can do plumbing jobs in other people’s homes because they enjoy DIY. It's extremely unlikely that these people hold any liability insurance so once more the consumer suffers if work has to be put right.
Kevin Wellman, Operations Director at the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) commented: “Certain professionals like architects or medical doctors have protection of title; no one can call themselves an architect or medical doctor without the right qualifications and experience. Life would be so much easier for the consumer if this applied to plumbers as it would also ensure standards of health and safety.”
The IPHE, a registered charity, maintains the Register of Plumbers, which was introduced in 1886. IPHE members listed on the Register have to prove their competence by giving evidence of qualifications and experience and conform to a Code of Professional Standards. To find a Registered Plumber in your area either visit www.iphe.org.uk or ring the IPHE on 01708 472791 between 9 - 5 pm Monday to Friday.
ENDS (215 WORDS)JULY 2004
Invest in maintenance
Although membership of the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) is on the increase, a growing number of applications are now being rejected. The majority of these applications are for Trainee membership.
Kevin Wellman, Operations Director of the IPHE explains: “Over the last year we have received applications for Trainee membership from people who have enrolled on ‘fast-track’ plumbing courses that do not award recognised qualifications. It can take at least two years to gain an NVQ level 2 qualification through the usual route, so we would be failing in our duty to uphold standards to allow someone who has only attended a course lasting 5 - 10 weeks to become a member.”
Andy Watts, Chief Executive of the Institute added: “As the professional body for the plumbing and heating industry it is our responsibility to help protect the public from poor plumbing practice.”
For more information on membership of the IPHE please contact Lesley Bailey on 01708 463108 or email lesleyb@iphe.org.uk.
ENDS (234 WORDS)July 2004
Upholding standards
Although membership of the Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) is on the increase, a growing number of applications are now being rejected. The majority of these applications are for Trainee membership.
Kevin Wellman, Operations Director of the IPHE explains: “Over the last year we have received applications for Trainee membership from people who have enrolled on ‘fast-track’ plumbing courses that do not award recognised qualifications. It can take at least two years to gain an NVQ level 2 qualification through the usual route, so we would be failing in our duty to uphold standards to allow someone who has only attended a course lasting 5 – 10 weeks to become a member.”
Andy Watts, Chief Executive of the Institute added: “As the professional body for the plumbing and heating industry it is our responsibility to help protect the public from poor plumbing practice.”
For more information on membership of the IPHE please contact Lesley Bailey on 01708 463108 or email lesleyb@iphe.org.uk.
ENDS (164 WORDS)JULY 2004
Women In Plumbing Group it's all about balance
The Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering’s Women in Plumbing Group is going from strength to strength. Hailed as a much needed voice in the plumbing industry, the Group aims to promote awareness of, and support to, women working in the plumbing industry and to encourage women to consider building their careers in this highly skilled profession.
Following the success of its one-day seminar held in London in 2003, the WPG is organising a one-day Conference at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London on Wednesday 27th October 2004. The theme for the day will be ‘Breaking Down Barriers, Exploring Opportunities’ and the programme promises to be a very interesting and exciting one.
But the Women in Plumbing Group is not just about women. Whilst the WPG’s primary aim is to offer a supportive network to women who may feel isolated working in a predominantly male environment, the Group welcomes and values the support of male colleagues and its meetings are open to anyone with an interest in the Group’s broader aims and objectives. Women represent 50% of the working population and it makes sense to create a balanced workforce by utilising their skills.
ENDS (233 WORDS)JULY 2004