THE Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) has signed a partnership agreement with the British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) to rebrand the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) copper category as Scotland’s qualifying heat for the UK-wide SkillPLUMB competition.
The move unites two long-standing competitions, strengthening SPAY’s status as Scotland’s leading plumbing and heating apprenticeship competition while providing apprentices in the SkillPLUMB category with a clear pathway to national and international recognition through the WorldSkills UK framework.
Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, said, “This new partnership will undoubtedly help further elevate the SPAY competition to new heights, providing Scotland’s apprentices with the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage and develop the advanced skills our industry demands. The integration with SkillPLUMB and WorldSkills UK is more than just a rebrand, it cements apprenticeships as the foundation of a highly skilled workforce, ensuring the plumbing and heating profession continues to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.”
Neil Collishaw, CEO of BPEC, added, “Our partnership with SNIPEF provides an excellent opportunity to support the next generation of skilled plumbing and heating professionals in Scotland. By combining our resources and expertise, we can enhance the competition and promote the rewarding career paths available in the sector. Together, we aim to address the skills shortage and build a workforce that can meet the challenges of the future.”
Marking its 50th anniversary in June, the SPAY competition has provided a launchpad for more than 1,200 apprentices over the years. The 2025 competition will take place at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride, where apprentices will compete in three specialist categories: copper, leadwork, and renewable technologies.
The event comes at a critical moment, as plumbing and heating apprenticeship opportunities continue to decline. SNIPEF is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce greater incentives and financial support for employers, ensuring they can continue to take on apprentices.
