The noble art of plumbing and heating has again come under the spotlight.
Unfortunately, plumbing isn’t regulated in this country, anyone in the UK can call themselves a plumber even if they don’t have any qualifications or experience or even insurance. However, all installers who are carrying out gas work should be registered with the gas installer registration scheme. This is currently arranged by CORGI but in April 2009 the scheme will be managed by Capita.
I’d advise consumers to be very careful when choosing someone to carry out work on their plumbing and heating system, they could be risking their family’s health. Remember, it may be tempting to pay someone cash in hand with no questions asked, but it may end up costing far more than you anticipated. With forthcoming changes to Building Regulations and Water Regulations it is becoming increasingly important to find out how up to date your plumber is.
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the UK's professional body for the plumbing and heating engineering industry. As a registered educational charity with its primary aim being the advancement of plumbing standards in the public interest, the Institute recommends all those entering the industry should aim to gain the NVQ Level 3 qualification.
On average, a student on a full time college course will spend 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time training to become a plumber. The student needs to be well versed in theory, Water Regulations, Building Regulations, Health and Safety Regulations and attain the practical skill needed to carry out plumbing work to a high standard. Practical skills are learnt through repetition and over time through the extensive work experience needed to pass NVQ Levels 2 and 3. Intensive short courses, which are often advertised in newspapers, are not suited to give this kind of education and are often very expensive.
Competition for a college place is fierce; indeed it is often harder than getting into university. This has led to the rise of intensive courses which may be suited to some disciplines, however, not for those entering into the plumbing and heating industry, where practical skill along with the mass of theory and Regulations knowledge takes years to learn. There is no doubting the fact that there are no short-cuts to becoming a competent plumber or heating engineer. Your best safeguard is always “Ask to see the CIPHE”.
Kevin Wellman Eng Tech FCIPHE RP MCGI FCMI MIoD FInstLM
Operations Director - CIPHE
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
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