The Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) says the plumbing and heating industry is enjoying an upsurge in interest among young people who are looking for a path to a rewarding, fulfilling and lifelong career.

The barriers and expense of university education is leading many school-leavers to consider apprenticeship tracks, and their interest is being met with enthusiasm by forward-looking trade associations such as the  SNIPEF, which is welcoming ambitious young people into the vital plumbing and heating sector.

According to SNIPEF, this shift in attitude is influenced by a number of factors that are redefining what it means to be in the trade. Thanks to high-profile industry figures, such as Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins, young people can look to role models who have made a financial success of their work in the industry.

The industry itself is earning a new reputation, as technological advances show the need for practitioners to have a clear understanding of maths and science. Consequently, the sector is increasingly seen as a top career choice, with the four-year apprenticeship course seen as challenging as many university degrees.

Furthermore, young people who enter the trade can also take pride knowing their work will contribute to the nation’s mission to shift from fossil fuels to sustainable heating solutions in homes and businesses, such as heat pumps.

Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, says: “It is gratifying to see the levels of interest in the industry at the moment and SNIPEF and other trade associations are strongly supportive of apprenticeships – as are employers, who want to future-proof their companies with qualified, skilled and enthusiastic employees.

“The plumbing industry opens up a huge diversity of career paths, it pays very good wages and it creates the opportunity for individuals to run their own businesses or move into senior management positions, as many SNIPEF members have done.”

Dale Thomson, training manager at SNIPEF, adds: “There is a widespread recognition that apprentices are the future of the industry and that they should be valued and rewarded accordingly. This recognition is reflected among potential candidates who are increasingly aware that a career in the sector can be financially attractive, personally fulfilling and socially very worthwhile.”

Success story in Scotland
Fife-based Connie McNaughton (pictured) is one such young person who has embraced the promises of a plumbing career. Having begun a pre-apprenticeship at the age of 15, Connie is now a 19-year-0ld, nearly fully qualified plumber and works for local firm Robert Walker Plumbing and Heating.

Connie’s advice to people thinking of a career in the plumbing and heating industry? “Give it a go. You never know if you’ll like it until you try. And don’t care about what anyone else thinks, especially if you’re a girl. It’s your life.”

Connie has already completed the Plumbing and Heating Final Competence Assessment and now has just the Accredited Certification Scheme Gas exam to go.

For further information, please contact Cassandra Gowans, membership and communications manager at SNIPEF via email (info@snipef.org) or visit: www.snipef.org