March 2004
Dinner with the President
Around 36 guests had dinner with the President of the Institute of Plumbing (IoP) on 3rd March at the Café Royal, London.Eric Mace EngTech LCGI FIOP RP, National President for 2003/2004 invited leading figures from the plumbing industry to join him for the evening. After the meal, Eric talked about three subjects that are often discussed in the industry.
- The skills shortage
- Raising the competence of those in our industry
- Licensing or Registration of plumbers
Eric said that if you get the training right, you improve the level of competence and help solve the skills shortage. But, to deliver that universally you need an effective and credible system of licensing or registration. He went on to talk about the many confusing, voluntary schemes that are already operating.The President, who teaches plumbing on a part-time basis, had the following to say about the problems that are caused by lack of training:
"On the subject of raising the level of skills and competence in our industry, I can personally assure you that this is most certainly and definitely required. In my day job as an Expert Witness I am called to too many examples of poor workmanship through a plumber's lack of training and knowledge."
However, Eric is concerned that there is no funding available for up-skilling our existing workforce. He said that money is available for school leavers, but it is equally important that plumbing and heating engineers keep up-to-date with Water Regulations, Unvented Hot Water and Part L1 of the Building Regulations. The courses are there - but no funding is available from the Government.
Eric thanked everyone for attending the dinner and paid tribute his wife Margaret for her support.
ENDS (290 WORDS)
March 2004
There's no short-cut to becoming a good plumber
The noble art of plumbing and heating has again come under the spotlight, with many now aware that it is a career with a future. As a result colleges are over subscribed, apprenticeships are like gold dust and new 'intensive' short courses are cropping up all over the country.The Institute of Plumbing (IoP) is the UK's professional body for the plumbing and heating engineering industry. As a registered educational charity with its primary aim the advancement of plumbing standards in the public interest, the Institute recommends all those entering the industry should aim to gain the NVQ Level 3 qualification.
On average, a student on a full time college course will spend 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time training to become a plumber. The student needs to be well versed in theory, Water Regulations, Building Regulations, Health and Safety Regulations and attain the practical skill needed to carry out plumbing work to a high standard. Practical skills are learnt through repetition and over time through the extensive work experience needed to pass NVQ Levels 2 and 3. Intensive short courses, which are often advertised in newspapers, are not suited to give this kind of education and are often very expensive.
Operations Director Kevin Wellman said, "Competition for a college place is fierce, indeed it is harder than getting into university. This has led to the rise of intensive courses which may be suited to some disciplines, however, not for those entering into the plumbing and heating industry, where practical skill along with the mass of theory and Regulations knowledge takes years to learn. There is no short-cut to becoming a good plumber."
ENDS (280 WORDS)
March 2004