SKILLS Development Scotland (SDS) and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) have launched a consultation with employees to help develop the plumbing sector’s apprenticeship.
The move is part of a series of consultations planned in order to undertake a review of Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprenticeship.
An online employee survey is now live, to ensure any redesigned apprenticeship aligns with real-life practices. The survey aims to understand the specific tasks final-year apprentices and current plumbing and heating operatives do within their roles.
Anyone working in the industry can provide their views by 19 November by logging on to https://bit.ly/PlumbingApprenticeshipEmployees
SDS and SNIPEF are also looking for anyone working in plumbing to get involved in a plumbing and heating workshop in Glasgow on Tuesday, 12 December, to further develop the tasks that plumbing and heating engineers currently undertake.
To attend the one-day workshop, contact Laura Brady, the SDS apprenticeship development manager for the construction sector, by e-mailing laura.brady@sds.co.uk.
Elaine Ellis, SDS construction skills planning manager, said, “Insight from the sector’s workforce on job roles is vital to inform and shape the apprenticeship and ensure it reflects current demands. The online survey allows us to reach a wide audience that can help us to gain a broad and balanced perspective, whilst the workshop enables us to delve more deeply into the tasks and responsibilities of those working in all levels and areas of plumbing and heating.”
SDS and SNIPEF are seeking employers of all sizes, representative bodies, and employees to get involved in the design and development work of the sector’s apprenticeship.
The new employer-led approach is designed to allow employers to take ownership of the design and construction of apprenticeships, ensuring they are relevant, adaptable and develop the skills they need.
A particular part of the review will be to assess the curriculum’s relevance given the increasing demand for renewable technology skills such as heat pump design, installation and maintenance.
Following the employee consultation process, employers and industry bodies are needed to join the Technical Expert Group (TEG) to begin the development of the new apprenticeship standard and framework, with support from training providers and awarding bodies as part of the Provider Advisory Group (PAG).
SDS is seeking employers, apprentices, training providers and awarding bodies to participate in these groups.
