SNIPEF Training Services acts as the Managing Agent & Training Provider for the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Plumbing in Scotland. The MA programme is designed to train apprentices in all aspects of domestic plumbing and heating.

In Northern Ireland, Apprentice training is managed by PMST, a company set up by SNIPEF and BEST the training agency of the HVCA.

Summit Skills is the new sector skills council for the Building Services Sector and they are responsible for developing the content of the apprenticeship training programme.

SNIPEF ISSUES WARNING OVER “FAST TRACK” TRAINING

In recent years there has been a massive increase in what are known as 'fast track' training providers who tempt people to enrol on expensive short courses purportedly to learn all there is to know about plumbing. In most cases such courses do not lead to the achievement of a Level 3 SVQ which is the minimum qualification required by the industry in Scotland.

SNIPEF has issued the following warning to those contemplating enrolling on a “Fast Track” course.

SNIPEF Director, Robert Burgon said “Plumbing and heating is a highly advanced and technologically challenging occupation. In Scotland the industry normally needs to recruit approximately 400 – 500 new apprentices each year to meet industry demands. These apprentices learn their trade through achievement of a SVQ level 3 qualification and also through the skills and experience they gain during their apprenticeship period.”

He added. “Traditional apprenticeships which last for 4 years and are delivered in employment with part-time attendance at one of Scotland's Colleges of Further Education, are still the method by which the industry recruits the majority of new plumbers. Anyone reading articles or adverts claiming that the industry needs thousands of new recruits needs to be very wary indeed. Behind such claims are often 'fast track' training providers whose main aim is to sell places on inappropriate training courses”.

Robert Burgon added this warning to customers. “Unfortunately un-regulated trainers will often turn out cowboy plumbers, with all the risks to public health that entails. These individuals also have little experience in dealing with challenging plumbing or heating tasks. Make sure that when you use a plumber you ask to see his Industry Registration card, this will confirm if he has completed a proper plumbing apprenticeship”.

PLUMBING APPRENTICE SCOOPS NATIONAL AWARD

Scott Reid an apprentice plumber from Moray College has just won the prestigious Scottish Regional SkillPlumb Competition, which was held in Dundee College on the 6th and 7th of June.

At the prize giving ceremony held at Dundee College, SNIPEF President George Whyte presented Scott with his prizes and Jim MacKinnon the Senior Plumbing Lecturer from Moray College with the overall winner’s Shield. As well as winning the overall award, Scott also won both the best copper pipework and best lead awards.

Second place was won by Jason Cameron representing Aberdeen College whilst third place was won by Gavin Hart who represented Dundee College.

Both Scott and Jason will now participate in the UK National SkillPlumb Competition which will be held at the Interbuild Exhibition in the NEC Birmingham in October. The overall winner of the UK Competition could then represent the UK in the next WorldSkills Competition which will be held in Calgary in September 2009.

Apprentice Prizewinners 2008 - Dundee College