BPEC Support Fund helps Paul gain NVQ

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 surgery.

Since making a full recovery Paul spent many months trying to secure an apprenticeship and last year was was offered a placement by Preston firm PW Plumbing Services. Having just passed the age bracket for Government apprenticeship funding, his employer was unable to fund the training and Paul was concerned he would not be able to complete his NVQ without help.

He applied to the BPEC Support Fund, which was keen for him to become fully qualified. The Fund accepted his application and a grant is now allowing him to undertake his NVQ Diploma with training provider Training 2000.

“Plumbing is all I have ever wanted to do, so I am forever grateful to the BPEC Support Fund for helping me with this dream,” said Paul. “I was worried that I may not be able to get properly qualified as I couldn’t get NVQ funding by joining the industry at this later stage, but I’m so happy that I can now concentrate on my training.”

The BPEC Support Fund provides grants to activities that lead to a greater improvement of knowledge, skills and competence of individuals working in the UK plumbing industry. It also helps plumbing and charitable projects carried out by non-for-profit and non-commercial organisations.

To find out more about the BPEC Support Fund visit www.bpec.org.uk/the-bpec-charity