IfATE approves the development of new Level 2 and 3 apprenticeship standards for plumbing

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, including the Joint Industry Board – Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) and the Engineering & Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA).

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.

The announcement of the development of a new apprenticeship follows a stringent approvals process which included the CIPHE presenting at IfATE’s construction and built environment route panel meeting in December.

Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at the CIPHE, said: “IfATE’s approval of the proposal to develop Level 2 and 3 apprenticeship standards is a vital development for our industry.

“We need to attract and retain talent in this sector: there are no two ways about it.

“To address this issue, we have been guided by industry employers who want to see a qualification that will create additional career entry points, enhance accessibility, and encourage employers to take on an apprentice.

“I believe the qualification will protect high standards of work whilst simultaneously providing more career pathway opportunities for plumbing apprentices especially those who aspire to achieve professional recognition as Engineering Technician through to Chartered Engineer. The insights, opinions and discourse between parties, in particular the Plumbing Employers’ Group, has been crucial to ensuring that the proposals submitted to IfATE were of a high standard. I have been humbled by the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the Group who have been unanimous in their support for the new apprenticeship.

“While we are delighted at their approval of our work to date, this is not the end. The crisis in plumbing education means that the CIPHE aims to have the new apprenticeship up and running as soon as possible, and our work with plumbing employers and relevant stakeholders to ensure the Apprenticeship Standards will be fit for purpose both now, and in the future only increases from here.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of those that have been involved in this process so far.”

Nick Irlam, Head Engineer and Owner of Irlam UK, a mechanical, heating and renewable contractor operating throughout the North West, added: “In recent years, the skills gap has been widening at an alarming scale. And it has been clear for some time that change has been needed.

“Here at Irlam UK, we regularly invest in new skills and support apprentices in the early stages of their career because we know how critical the next generation is when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of the public, but also in switching to more renewables as part of the move towards Net Zero.

“So, it has been a pleasure to work alongside the team at the CIPHE throughout the consultation surrounding the new Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships.

“At every stage of the qualification’s development, the CIPHE has consulted multiple parties to ensure that standards are not only upheld, but strengthened, whilst simultaneously aiding apprentices by providing new career entry points and fair processes for examination.

“We are delighted to hear that IfATE have approved the proposal and look forward to continuing our work with the CIPHE to support this vital change.

“But, moreover, we can’t wait to see the change that the new qualification will bring.”

Helen Yeulet, Director of Competence & Compliance at Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), commented on the need for the new standards on behalf EBSSA: “EBSSA members are aware of – and are increasingly concerned by – the burgeoning crisis in plumbing apprenticeships. Both directly and through our wider industry networks, we know of declining start numbers, a collapse in completions and long-standing, major providers withdrawing their provision or signalling an intention to do so. Plumbing is a critical trade in the built environment and the present crisis threatens to set back by up to a decade vital strategic missions such as net zero, new-build housing and economic growth….

“The negative consequences of this crisis ripple out far beyond the plumbing sector itself. Overlaps and cross-fertilisation between different engineering services disciplines mean that EBSSA members as a whole, not just the CIPHE, have a substantial and legitimate interest in seeing the plumbing apprenticeship restored to health, and quickly.”

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/

[1] UK Trade Skills Index 2023