BPEC invests £15,000 to modernise Scotland’s Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship

Funding to support new National Occupational Standards, the Scottish apprenticeship framework, and a new assessment strategy.

BPEC, the not-for-profit body supporting training and skills development across the UK plumbing and heating profession, is investing £15,000 to support the recently completed revision of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for plumbing and heating, and to help take forward the ongoing work on the Framework and Assessment Strategy for the Scottish Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship.

This investment will support work led by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), in collaboration with employers, apprentices, training providers, Skills Development Scotland, SQA Awarding, SQA Accreditation and wider industry stakeholders, to ensure Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprenticeship remains modern, credible and fit for future purpose.

Neil Collishaw, Chief Executive of BPEC, said:

“BPEC’s charitable mission is to raise the knowledge and skills of the UK plumbing and heating workforce, and this investment directly reflects that purpose on multiple fronts. Supporting SNIPEF in this work will help ensure apprenticeships and standards remain the bedrock of our profession, as well as giving employers confidence, apprentices opportunity and consumers the assurance of high-quality work.

“The challenge is to ensure assessment models reflect real-world practice while upholding quality and consistency across the profession. This is about balancing rigour with reality.”

Stephanie Lowe, Deputy Chief Executive of SNIPEF, welcomed the investment, saying:

“This support will help ensure Scotland’s Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating remains relevant, credible and inclusive, producing highly skilled professionals equipped to work on safety-critical water systems as well as supporting the continued transition to low-carbon and sustainable technologies.”

About the Scottish Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship

The Scottish Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship is a four-year Level 3 programme, combining employment experience and training across plumbing and heating disciplines, including water, gas and low-carbon technologies. Completion ensures apprentices graduate fully qualified, with technical expertise, workplace competence and the confidence to meet the demands of a modern workplace.

Since late 2023, SNIPEF, in partnership with BSE Skills and a wide network of employers, apprentices, lecturers and stakeholders, has led a comprehensive review of the programme. Extensive consultation through workshops, surveys and working groups has ensured input from employers of all sizes, apprentices, advisory groups and industry bodies in shaping the outcomes.

The profession is also acting as a pilot for wider apprenticeship reform across other trades, including electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Lessons from the review will help shape assessment models and frameworks across the broader construction sector.

Stephanie Lowe noted: “By leading this work, plumbing and heating is setting the standard for how apprenticeships should evolve to meet the needs of both the profession and government. It is a responsibility we take seriously, because getting it right will influence the future direction of training across our profession, and potentially others.“

The BPEC Charity has indicated it will provide further support as SNIPEF moves into the next phase of work, particularly on implementing the new Assessment Strategy.

Neil Collishaw added: “This is not just a one-off investment but the start of a continuing commitment. By working in partnership with SNIPEF and others, we can ensure the industry has the skills, standards and confidence it needs to thrive in a changing world.”

The Importance of National Occupational Standards (NOS)

A key component of the investment is supporting the recently completed revision of the National Occupational Standards (NOS), ensuring they remain relevant to today’s plumbing and heating profession. NOS are central to apprenticeship and qualification development across the UK. They set out the performance, knowledge and understanding individuals must demonstrate in the workplace, and provide the framework for employer-led apprenticeships and industry-recognised qualifications.

Neil Collishaw concluded:

 “The National Occupational Standards are the foundation of our profession. They ensure consistency, quality and relevance in training, giving employers and apprentices confidence that the skills being taught reflect real industry needs.“

NOS are publicly available and can be viewed at: https://ukstandards.org.uk/en

About BPEC:

BPEC (British Plumbing Employers Council) is a leading provider of training and certification across the plumbing and heating industry, committed to developing a skilled and competent workforce. A not-for-profit organisation, BPEC reinvests in the industry to support skills development, professional standards, and technical excellence.

BPEC delivers high-quality qualifications, assessment schemes, and learning resources across key areas including gas, water, renewables, and energy efficiency. As the organiser of SkillPLUMB, one of the UK’s premier skills competitions, BPEC promotes the next generation of talent and celebrates excellence in vocational education.

Its support for the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition reflects BPEC’s long-standing commitment to raising industry standards and championing apprentice achievement. For more information, visit www.bpec.org.uk.

About SNIPEF:

The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) is the leading trade association representing plumbing and heating businesses across Scotland and Northern Ireland. With over 750 member firms employing more than 3,500 qualified professionals, SNIPEF has supported the industry for over a century through expert guidance, practical services, and advocacy. It continues to champion high standards, promote skills development, and provide relevant, hands-on support to help businesses thrive in an evolving industry landscape.

About Stephanie Lowe:

Stephanie Lowe is a leading figure in Scotland’s plumbing and heating profession, with over twenty years of experience. Her expertise covers industrial relations, training and skills development, and union negotiations.

As Deputy Chief Executive of SNIPEF, Stephanie represents the organisation on key industry platforms such as the Construction Industry Collective Voice, chairing the Workforce Skills and employment, and the Construction Leadership Forum, co-chair of Skills and participating in the Fair Work working groups. She is also involved in the Cross Party Construction Forum. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach are essential in advancing professional standards and advocating for SNIPEF members.

In the area of industrial relations, Stephanie is recognised for handling complex employment issues, legal compliance, and advocacy for fair work practices. This has significantly contributed to creating a balanced and equitable work environment within the profession. Her commitment to promoting Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is a testament to her dedication to fostering a progressive and inclusive professional community.

As the SNIPEF lead for the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating, Stephanie oversees the comprehensive training and development of over 1,200 apprentices, guaranteeing that both their educational and professional experiences adhere to the highest standards. Her responsibilities include ensuring the quality of training, liaising with educational institutions, and ensuring that the apprenticeship programme aligns with the latest professional standards, thereby equipping the workforce to meet both present and future industry requirements.

In her capacity as Secretary of the Joint Industry Board (SNIJIB), she is instrumental in facilitating constructive dialogue between employers and employees, ensuring a collaborative and beneficial relationship for all parties involved in the industry Collective Agreement

About Neil Collishaw:

Neil Collishaw brings over 40 years of experience in the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sector, with specialist expertise in skills development, training, and education. He is passionate about future-proofing standards, skills, and apprenticeships within the plumbing and heating industry.

Neil began his career as an apprentice and went on to run a successful plumbing and heating business. He later held senior roles in Further Education and at SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the BSE sector, where he led and directed a range of national skills development initiatives and projects across the United Kingdom.

Neil joined BPEC in 2014, holding a number of senior positions including Head of Innovation and Development, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and Head of the BPEC Charity. His proven leadership and vision led to his appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer in January 2019.

Throughout his career, Neil has been a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, skills competitions, and vocational training. He has built strong relationships with stakeholders, training providers, government agencies, and industry bodies to ensure that the plumbing and heating workforce benefits from current and high-quality standards, apprenticeships, and qualifications.

Neil is immensely proud to lead BPEC, an organisation led by employers for the benefit of the sector. All surplus funds generated through BPEC’s activities are reinvested through the BPEC Charity, which focuses on raising the knowledge and skills of those working within the industry. BPEC’s support for SNIPEF is one example of how the charity is helping to achieve this ambition.