As part of BPEC’s commitment to quality training we will shortly be introducing a programme of External Verification visits to centres delivering the Gas Foundation Managed Learning Programme. The need to carry out the visits is also a requirement of the changes to the ‘Standards of Training in Gas Work’ which is overseen by EU […]
A pilot scheme is being launched by the JTL charity, in conjunction with BPEC and the Carl Burrows Trust (CBT), to provide a bridge for school leavers prior to starting work, further education or as an ideal entry route to an apprenticeship. Companies offering a four week work experience placement will not have any financial […]
A young apprentice from Northern Ireland has been rewarded for his skill, professionalism and quality of work with a gold medal in the international WorldSkills 2015 competition. Gary Doyle, 21, is celebrating after his win after going head to head with talented plumbers from 27 other countries. The event, held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was […]
BPEC are delighted to support The Scottish Auto Cycle Union (SACU) – Team Scotland in this year’s International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) taking place in Slovakia during September 2015. Financial assistance has been provided to SACU through the BPEC Sport Award to support a team of 3 riders competing in this year’s International Six Day […]
BPEC have launched a 3 day solid fuel course. The training course will enable candidates to install any of the common types of ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ solid mineral and wood fuel burning equipment in accordance with building regulations, manufacturer’s instructions and industry standards. It also covers the requirements for chimneys, flues and combustion air ventilation. BPEC […]
On the 25th November 2013 the HSE published the revised ACoP L8 and Technical Guidance HSG 274 – a lot has changed in legionella management and control that you should know. Are you aware, for example, that employers, those in control of premises and those with health and safety responsibilities for others have a legal […]
41 individuals have been selected to compete in WorldSkills 2015, São Paulo, in 37 skills ranging from landscape gardening to web design and welding. All were chosen based on a high personal skill level, competitive attitude and maturity, and have all received performance training from experts at Loughborough University, who have previously worked with talented […]
OFTEC are now a Competent Persons Scheme for Solid Fuel, and are accepting BPEC Solid Biomass NOS Mapped qualification for registration. It is hoped that before too long, OFTEC will also gain CPS status for Biomass, and again will be accepting the BPEC qualification for registration in this scope as well.
BPEC contributed £1569.46 worth of plumbing & heating materials to assist the modernisation of a property featured in the BBC One series ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’. Ten years ago Richard and Jude Ford met while working for the police. They soon realised that they were meant for each other, and settled down to start […]
Seventeen year old plumbing apprentice Ryan Holden is being supported to maximise his chance of becoming a full GB Team member for Archery. Ryan, from Broadstairs Plumbing & Heating, Kent, longs to accomplish his ambition of becoming a regular GB Team member and compete overseas. The cost of his equipment and to compete is considerable […]
Top skills have been on display around the country at the English regional SkillPLUMB heats. Three talented young plumbers have topped the table at their respective events and now have a chance of progressing to the UK final to be held later this year. The regional winners are: South of England: Owen Boswell of Suffolk […]
Do you have any outstanding apprentices that you would like to nominate for an award organised by one of the leading publishers in the renewable energy field? The prize on offer for the winning apprentice is a trip to Denmark that includes a trip on a private jet and a meal at a Michelin starred […]
The 40th Annual SNIPEF SkillPLUMB competition was won by Richard Wilson, a third year plumbing apprentice from Aberdeen who works for Aberdeenshire firm, Sugplumb. North East Scotland College, where Richard studies hosted the event, which was held on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June. A total of 13 participants from colleges and training centres across […]
The SkillPLUMB South of England heat has named Owen Boswell of Suffolk New College and Sleep Safe as its winner. Held at Chichester College on 12th May, the event brought together students from across the region to compete for a chance to be SkillPLUMB UK Champion. Owen, 20, was joined by Ryan Holden, of East […]
Water Byelaws have been a fact of life for plumbers as long as most of us can remember. On 12 July 2014 the existing Water Byelaws in Scotland were replaced by The Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014. BPEC have now updated their Water Byelaws Scotland training material in line with the new changes. […]
Following a successful Legionella update held at BPEC offices, BPEC have now launched a new updated Legionella Risk Assessment and Water Disinfection for Mechanical Services training course, this new course will replace the Risk Assessment and Disinfection course which BPEC currently offer. The new updated course does have a defined scope for those candidates wanting […]
Talented apprentice plumbers are being encouraged to register for this year’s SkillPLUMB 2015 competition. The application window is now open and runs until 20th March. During the competition, entrants will be judged on a series of challenging practical tests in a bid to be named the 2015 SkillPLUMB champion. The event, designed to promote and […]
SkillPLUMB is an annual skills competition designed to promote standards and skills across the plumbing industry, developing competence into excellence. SkillPLUMB can bring invaluable benefits to students, colleges and employers. Competitors can gain recognition for exceptional skills, injecting dynamism and excitement into training. Employers can enhance their business reputation and improve the skills of their […]
An adult apprentice who was unable to benefit from the normal apprenticeship funding has been helped to complete his training by the BPEC Support Fund. Twenty-five year old Paul wanted to pursue a career in plumbing from an early age, but at 16 was diagnosed with a serious condition that required him to have brain […]
A self-employed domestic plumbing and heating engineer, who dedicates his spare time to improving youth cricketing skills, has received support from the BPEC Sport Awards to help enhance his coaching. Anthony Millett, of ADM Plumbing Solutions, volunteers at the Ilminster Cricket Club in Somerset and is a Level 2 qualified children’s coach. With training nights […]
Self-employed plumber and gas fitter Jamie Graves is being helped to fulfill his football coaching potential after receiving a grant from the BPEC Sport Award. Jamie, from Anytime Plumbing & Heating, Rotherham, played football competitively until a car crash meant he was no longer able to take part himself at such an intense level. Still […]
Life Award 2013 November 2014 Anita has just recently returned from Bansang. She is delighted to report that the Female Ward is smelling ‘so sweet, no longer are patients subjected to the awful stench that got right under your skin, not to mention up your nose’! Congratulations go out to the team for their excellent work, […]
Twenty-one year old Josh Ellis from Westmancoat Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Contractors has been crowned 2014 SkillPLUMB champion after excelling in an intensive two-day practical competition at the Birmingham NEC Skills Show. Over 75,000 visited the event, the nation’s largest skills and careers event, where SkillPLUMB was just one of 65 competitions taking place. Josh, […]
In an important and exciting move, Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeships are now joining Phase 3 of the Trailblazer project and employers in the industry are being invited to participate in an important electronic survey the results of which will help greatly in altering the format of Apprenticeships for the better. Following a government review of […]
Training and certification organisation BPEC has launched its search for next year’s recipient of the BPEC Charity Life Award. This Award offers up to £15,000 for using plumbing skills to enhance people’s life. The aim of the Award is to recognise and facilitate the use of plumbing skills to improve the lives of others in […]