The Worshipful Company of Plumbers (WCoP) is working with a number of trade and professional bodies to focus on Apprenticeships for the Future at this year’s Installer Show, which is set to take place at the NEC, Birmingham, between 21 and 23 June.
Industry organisations working alongside the WCoP include: APHC, BESA, BPEC, City & Guilds, CIPHE, JIB, SNIPEF and WRAS, with representatives from each attending the event to kick-off a programme of activity based around recognising and developing the next generation of plumbing and heating professionals.
As well as highlighting the variety of career paths available in the plumbing and heating sector for young and retrained people, the WCoP will be presenting numerous apprenticeship and industry awards throughout the exhibition. In particular, Master of the WCoP, Nicholas Jones, will be in attendance on Apprentice Day (Thursday 23 June) to present this year’s Bursary Awards.
The WCoP’s tools and equipment Bursary scheme has been running for over 20 years, and is designed to help students working towards S/NVQ Level 3 MES (Plumbing) or equivalent to purchase essential kit that can otherwise prove costly alongside studies. The Company usually considers Bursaries of up to £1,000 for plumbing students, which is awarded in the form of vouchers for equipment (which is sponsored by Monument Tools and City & Guilds).
To be considered for a financial award, students are encouraged to apply direct to the WCoP but must have a reference from their lecturer or employer. Professional bodies are also encouraged to support students who, in their opinion, meet the criteria and would therefore merit consideration as a possible recipient of a Bursary.
In addition, the WCoP will also present Certificates of Excellence to the winners of last year’s Installer Merit Awards, winners of BPEC’s Awards for Excellence for 2021 and the HIP Learner of the Year in 2022.
Richard Soper CBE, Chair of the WCoP’s Education and Technical Committee, said: “As we put the pandemic behind us and look to the future, it is great to be able to step back and celebrate people’s personal and professional achievements.
“Having negotiated three periods of national lockdown, the plumbing and heating industry has continued to support local communities throughout, protecting vulnerable individuals in the process. It is only right that we take a moment to reflect and recognise the tremendous effort made by so many students, apprentices and professional installers during this time.
“Being one of the most ancient of the Livery Companies of the City of London, the Worshipful Company of Plumbers has served the craft of plumbing continuously for over 650 years. It was founded to promote and maintain high standards of craftsmanship and business conduct, so being able to award a number of Certificates of Excellence this year, as well as continuing the Bursary scheme, is an important aspect of bringing this ethos through to 2022 and beyond.”
Mike Costain, Managing Director at Lyrical Communications who are organising the show, commented: “Following the success of last year’s in-person event, we are excited to welcome WCoP and other experts to our new home at the NEC in June. We’re also extremely proud to play our part in supporting the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers by creating an opportunity to celebrate industry excellence and individual achievements.”
For more information about the WCoP and how to apply for a Bursary, please visit the website www.plumberscompany.org.uk