Kevin Wellman (pictured right), CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), welcomed the publication of the Richard Review of Apprenticeships and was pleased that the essence of the Institute’s input was taken on board.
Members of the CIPHE’s Education and Training Group submitted a three-page report on their concerns about the value of apprenticeships to Doug Richard in June.
Mr Wellman said: “Measures to legitimise meaningful apprenticeships are to be commended but the outcome must be ‘Fit for Purpose’. The whole framework at all levels must possess the three essential characteristics of breadth, balance and depth and again align with the learner’s needs and that of the demands of the discipline. Progression must also be built into the learning experience and outcomes. Skills need to be continually developed to cope with changing technologies.
“Failure to act on this will lead to a shortage of skilled individuals resulting in many people, especially unsuspecting and vulnerable members of the public, being disadvantaged. This could then compromise public safety and health, and in worst case scenarios cause fatalities.”
He went on to say that he does not support the promotion of one-year apprenticeships within engineering disciplines, and instead believes that high skilled apprenticeships over a period of three to four years are something the plumbing and heating industry requires. There must be balance – vocational qualifications are essential, but only when accompanied by practical experience and effective mentoring.
The Review suggested that in the future, the best qualifications should include input from professional bodies, which Kevin Wellman found very encouraging.
Mr Wellman concluded: “The report recognises there are some good ‘pockets of excellent practice which exist today’. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the plumbing and heating industry leads by example in encouraging education and training excellence so our apprenticeship system can once again be admired and respected throughout the world. Now that is a challenge!”
