The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has given the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) formal approval to develop new Level 2 and Level 3 plumbing apprenticeship standards.

This comes as the UK Trade Skills Index 2023 estimates that 73,700 new plumbers are needed by 2032, while current construction apprenticeship drop-out rates stand at an alarming 47%, according to a recent report from the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH). 

The Level 2 Standard will cover foundational topics such as hot and cold water installations, sanitation and rainwater systems, while Level 3 will focus on advanced techniques, including low-carbon heating, gas engineering, and advanced plumbing assessment and design. The approach intends to maintain high standards, improve course accessibility and provide additional career entry points for newcomers joining the industry.

On the approval, Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at the CIPHE, said “I believe the qualification will protect high standards of work whilst simultaneously providing more career pathway opportunities for plumbing apprentices, especially those who aspire to achieve professional recognition as Engineering Technician through to Chartered Engineer.”

To read more about the development of new Level 2 and 3 apprenticeship standards for plumbing, please visit the CIPHE website.