BPEC Service Pipe and Meter Housing Training Programme revised and updated to include Groundwork

The new BPEC Groundworker, Service Pipe and Meter Housing training programme has been designed to give installers the skills and knowledge to install meter and supply pipes in accordance with the water fittings regulations.

We have revised and updated our Service Pipe and Meter Housing Course to now include groundworker learning objectives, with the aim that it can be used as evidence to support applications to become approved contractors for groundwork. The course covers installation of standard water connections and the laying of associated apparatus from the property boundary to the first internal water fitting after the meter.

We have also developed a training manual to accompany the course. Please click here for further information.

The course and assessment have been approved for use in training by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS from Apr 2021 Water Regs UK) on behalf of the water undertakers which participate in the Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (‘WIAPS’) Approved Contractor Scheme.

The training is aimed at persons wishing to become Approved Contractors for the WIAPS Groundworker Sector by providing evidence to the Approved Contractor scheme that appropriate training has been completed, but is also relevant and useful to designers and site managers who are an integral part of ensuring pitfalls are avoided before, during and after a water connection is made.

But it is much more than just training!

The idea was to formulate a cost effective training, accreditation and inspection solution so as to prevent poor installations resulting in leaks and freezing, plus also to deliver faster new home connections. It is worth noting that 25% of all water loss is as a result of leaking service pipes. The UK government’s strategic priorities and objectives for Ofwat (September 2017) stated that: ‘measures that can help reduce demand for water are an important part of the solution to meeting future water supply needs’.

Our new training package meets all requirements in terms of helping to meet these objectives. So if you are a training centre interested in delivering this course, or if you would like any further information, then please contact our Services Team at services@bpec.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.