The BPEC Charity is continuing its support for the Lighthouse Charity for a third consecutive year, with a further £1,500 contribution to help support construction workers and their families. The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to people working across the construction industry and their families, offering a range of free and […]
The BPEC Charity has continued its support for international water aid charity Aquabox for a third consecutive year, with a £3,500 donation that will help provide clean water to more than 6,000 people following future disasters. BPEC Chief Executive Neil Collishaw recently visited Aquabox at its Matlock premises to see first-hand how the charity has […]
BPEC has continued its support for Warriors of Warmth, joining the latest project to help improve facilities at a homeless shelter in Manchester. Warriors of Warmth, founded by heating engineer Jonathon Hallam, brings together volunteers from across the plumbing and heating industry to donate their time, skills and expertise to support charities and community organisations. […]
Remembering Jack Wishart Everyone at BPEC was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Group Chairman, Jack Wishart, who died peacefully at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, on Thursday 16 July, aged 82. Jack dedicated an extraordinary 23 years to BPEC as a Director and Trustee, from 1992 until 2015. Having served for several […]
The eight student plumbers who scored most highly across the SkillPLUMB 2026 national qualifying heats have been named: All have now been invited to go head-to-head across the week of 16th November at Bridgend College for the SkillPLUMB 2026 UK Final. In total around 50 WorldSkills UK National Finals will be taking place that week […]
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has published the long-awaited Mandatory Competence Framework and accompanying Mandatory Technical Competence (MTC) requirements, marking an important milestone in the continued drive to strengthen competence across the building services sector. Following several delays, the publication provides much-needed clarity for Competent Person Scheme operators, industry bodies, awarding organisations, manufacturers, employers and […]
BPEC enjoyed a productive and inspiring week at InstallerSHOW 2026 and the inaugural UK-hosted World Plumbing Conference, joining industry leaders, manufacturers, training providers, installers and international delegates at the NEC, Birmingham. For the first time, the World Plumbing Conference was held alongside InstallerSHOW, bringing together a global audience to explore the future of plumbing, heating, […]
It was a busy week in the capital for BPEC, with two visits to London bringing the spotlight firmly onto the future of the building services engineering workforce, and the apprentices who will shape it. Westminster: plugging the skills gap – Monday 08 June 2026 The week began at the House of Commons, where BPEC’s […]
BPEC is pleased to provide our training centres and FE partners with the latest edition of the BPEC Brief. The e-newsletter – which features highlights of the latest industry training news and policy updates – is produced by the BPEC Charity and aimed at anyone involved in the plumbing & heating industry working across the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]