We are delighted to announce the launch of our marketing campaign promoting the benefits of the new Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship. Set to become the new industry standard, this trailblazing apprenticeship has been specially designed to meet employers’ needs, fill skills gaps and secure the future of England’s plumbing and domestic heating industry.
Aimed at plumbing and heating businesses in England, we have developed the campaign in collaboration with key industry players, led by BPEC. Neil Collishaw, CEO at BPEC , explains: ‘We’re very excited about the new Level 3 apprenticeship. It offers employers a fantastic opportunity to grow their business and potentially expand into new areas such as renewable technologies. These apprentices will be equipped with the very latest plumbing and heating skills and knowledge. They’ll also specialise in either natural gas, oil, solid fuel or environmental technologies – so the apprenticeship programme can be tailored to meet the current and future needs of individual business.’
The Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship will replace the old Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship in England by 2020. The new apprenticeship will typically take up to 48 months to complete.
What’s more, qualified apprentices have the opportunity to gain EngTech status from the Engineering Council adding credibility to their employer’s business. They are also eligible to apply for a CSCS card, showing clients they have the right skills and knowledge to work safely and competently.
‘The Level 3 apprenticeship really is a win-win for English plumbing and heating businesses,’ adds Neil. ‘Up to £21,000 of funding is available for training and assessment and the training provider will explain how this works as well as providing lots of support with recruitment and admin. We want to make it as easy as possible for employers to benefit from the new Level 3 apprenticeship – and getting involved now offers a genuine chance to get ahead of the competition.’
Like to Future-Proof YOUR Business with a Level 3 Apprentice?
For more information about the new Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship, please visit the Institute for Apprenticeships website and contact your local plumbing and heating apprenticeship provider.
To find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice, what’s involved and the funding that’s available, please visit the Government’s Fire It Up website or JTL’s website
About the Apprenticeship
In the last decade, the number of plumbing and heating apprenticeships in England has fallen. Combined with the sector’s ageing profile and the reduced number of foreign plumbers working in the UK, a major skills gap is looming if not already happening. To combat this, the industry urgently needs to take on more, better-skilled, apprentices.
In response to this need, a consortium of key industry players came together to develop a marketing campaign to promote the key benefits of the Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship. This is available now and will replace the former Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship frameworks to become the only industry standard from July 2020.
The new apprenticeship will become the new standard for plumbing and domestic heating in England.
Key differences from the old Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships are:
- A typical 48 month duration (this can be shortened if the apprentice already has relevant, accreditable skills and knowledge)
- The introduction of an End-point Assessment
- Apprentices are now graded and will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction
The apprenticeship will equip apprentices with a wide range of core plumbing and heating skills as well as up to date industry knowledge. ‘Best practice’ workplace behaviours, such as team-working and quality focus, will also be taught. On top of the core curriculum, apprentices will study one option in-depth from the following areas: natural gas, oil, solid fuel or environmental technologies. This enables the apprenticeship to be tailored to the employer’s current and future needs. You can read the full apprenticeship standard here.
The level of funding available, and the contribution that the employer will have to pay, will depend on the size of the business. Employers who take on a Level 3 apprentice will receive support from their training provider. This includes information and advice on available funding, help with recruitment and assistance with paperwork. The aim is to remove the administrative burden from employers so they can concentrate on running their businesses.