The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has given the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) formal approval to develop new Level 2 and Level 3 plumbing apprenticeship standards.
This comes as the industry faces a major skills shortage with estimates that 73,700 new plumbers are needed by 2032[1], while current construction apprenticeship drop-out rates stand at around a staggering 47%, according to a recent report from the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH).
In order to develop the proposed qualification, the CIPHE has been led by a proactive Plumbing Employers’ Group made up of sole traders, SMEs and larger employers, to gain feedback and to ensure the new standards are reflective of realities on site. It has also engaged extensively with plumbing industry affiliated bodies including, colleges, independent training centres, manufacturers, merchants, industry representative organisations, government departments, and other industry bodies.
As part of this lengthy consultation, last year, the CIPHE conducted an Education Survey in which it found that 90%* of respondents were supportive of a proposal to introduce both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships.
The proposed approach intends to implement two new apprenticeships that not only maintain high standards but heighten course accessibility and provide additional career entry points for those looking to join the industry.
The Level 2 Standard will allow apprentices to complete an End Point Assessment covering topics such as hot and cold water installations, as well as sanitation and rainwater systems. Successful completion of a Level 2 apprenticeship in plumbing will provide learners with a wide range of options for Level 3 progression. This will include low carbon heating, gas engineering, and the plumbing focused apprenticeship that introduces further assessment on advanced hot and cold water, low temperature hot water heating systems and plumbing/heating systems design.
If you would like to be involved in the Plumbing Employers’ Group or are interested in becoming a member of the CIPHE, visit: https://www.ciphe.org.uk/professional/become-a-member/
¹Survey consisted of a sample of 360 industry professionals, business owners and those working in education.
