THE Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF) has branded Scottish Conservative proposals to allow pupils to leave school at 14 for apprenticeships or college places as ‘reckless, unworkable and deeply irresponsible’ for industries that rely on safety-critical apprenticeships.
The trade body was responding to reports that party leader Russell Findlay will suggest the school leaving age be cut from 16 to 14 to prevent youngsters being ‘trapped in a system that isn’t working for them’.
Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, said, “Allowing children to leave school at 14 and enter apprenticeships is not just unrealistic, it’s irresponsible. Our industry operates under strict safety regulations, and we cannot fathom how a child of that age could legally or safely take on the demands of plumbing and heating work.”
The Federation also raised concerns about the academic implications of the proposal, questioning whether pupils would have the necessary foundational skills before leaving school.
“Our profession requires a solid grounding in maths, science and literacy; these are non-negotiable for everything from heat loss calculations to system design,” Hodgson continued. “If pupils leave school at 14, they risk missing out on the critical skills needed to complete qualifications, progress in their careers, or even change direction if they realise a trade isn’t for them.”
The Federation has instead called for greater investment in apprenticeships and further education pathways for those of genuine working age.
“Apprenticeships should be an exciting, skilled career choice, not a last resort for children forced out of mainstream education before they’ve even had the chance to explore their talents,” Hodgson said. “Instead of throwing 14-year-olds into a system riddled with risks, we should be focusing on helping those of real working age access the training and opportunities they need to build successful futures.”
