Yearly Archives: 2026

BPEC Senior Leadership Team meet at Chesterfield College

BPEC’s Senior Leadership Team recently met at Chesterfield College, with the College hosting the session within its well-equipped training facilities and providing a warm welcome to the team. The visit offered an opportunity to see first-hand the quality of the learning environment and the delivery taking place across the College’s provision. From modern workshop spaces […]

Common sense prevails with Post-16 reforms and the delay in defunding of level 2 and 3 qualifications.

The Department for Education’s decision to delay the defunding of certain qualifications until the 2026–27 academic year at the earliest is a welcome and pragmatic step. Technical qualifications have long played an important role in developing practical skills and supporting progression into apprenticeships, further study and skilled employment. In sectors such as engineering, construction and […]

From Adversity to Opportunity: How Training in Plumbing and Heating Transforms Lives

A meeting on World Plumbing Day between Neil Collishaw, Chief Executive of BPEC, and Louchavan Lemard, Director of PH247, highlighted the powerful role the plumbing and heating profession can play in changing lives. The two had connected on social media before meeting in person during Louchavan’s visit to the Midlands, quickly recognising shared values around […]

BPEC Year in Review out now

The BPEC Charity has published its annual Year in Review to profile its wide-ranging and significant work to support plumbing and heating skills development over the last 12 months.  BPEC continually invests in projects focused on raising standards, supporting the training and development of plumbing operatives and encouraging leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. The charity is self-sustaining and […]

The BPEC Spotlight – out now

We’re pleased to share the Spring 2026 edition of Spotlight, your go-to source for industry updates from BPEC. In this issue, you’ll find the latest company news, key insights and important developments from across the sector. We get to know Kev Clark from our senior leadership team, take a look at the BPEC Charity’s activities, […]

Student Engagement Trial – Can you help?

On behalf of Capita and the Health and Safety Executive, Talan are delivering a student engagement trial designed to support learners as they progress toward joining the Gas Safe Register. The aim of this trial is to strengthen learners’ understanding of gas safety standards, improve visibility of the Gas Safe Register, and support trainees to […]

SkillPLUMB 2026 – now open for entries!   

Talented student plumbers are being encouraged to enter this year’s SkillPLUMB competition. The registration window is open now and runs until 27 March.   During the competition, entrants will be judged on a series of challenging practical tests in a bid to be named the 2026 SkillPLUMB champion. The event is the only industry competition aligned […]

National Apprenticeship Week 2026: 9 – 15 FEBRUARY

A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Kev Clark, BPEC’s Head of Technical Operations gives an insight into why he believes apprenticeships matter. From Apprentice to Shaping the Future of the Trade […]

Why BPEC remains the natural home for industry qualifications

The vocational training and qualifications landscape is changing fast. Ownership structures, commercial priorities and governance models are increasingly under scrutiny, particularly following the recent acquisition of a large awarding organisation, that recently left hundreds of people facing uncertainty over their roles during the Christmas period. At moments like this, how organisations are structured, and who […]