City & Guilds and CIPHE launch skills alliance to transform plumbing and heating education

​​​​​​​The partnership will enhance training quality, expand educational access, and future-proof the workforce through innovative joint initiatives

City & Guilds and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE)’s new strategic collaboration is designed to transform the future of plumbing and heating education.

This landmark agreement brings together two recognised leaders in vocational training and professional standards to tackle critical workforce challenges facing the sector.

The partnership will enhance training quality, expand educational access, and future-proof the workforce through innovative joint initiatives.

The collaboration responds to urgent industry needs highlighted in City & Guilds' recent report “Foundations for the Future: Building the Skills to deliver 1.5 million homes”, which found that 24% of Plumbing and heating training providers struggled to recruit learners. 

The partnership aims to deliver impactful solutions that support learners, educators, and employers while closing the skills gap in this essential industry.

The CIPHE’s 2024 Education Survey revealed issues with current plumbing standards, as shown by 90% of respondents supporting a proposal to introduce both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships.

In addition, there was widespread support for an Experienced Worker Route to help upskill the industry.

The collaboration will deliver transformative benefits:

• Accelerate capacity building in the education sector – by designing and delivering co-sponsored Train the Trainer programmes that strengthen the educator workforce and improve training standards across the industry
• Raise awareness of career opportunities – by educating learners and their parents about the economic prospects and professional pathways available in the plumbing and heating industry
• Future-proof the esteem and validity of recognised training routes – by developing and updating qualifications and assessments in line with industry-recognised competence frameworks, ensuring training remains relevant
• Recognise a skilled workforce and reward lifelong learning – by linking qualification achievement and Continuing Professional Development to the industry.
• Support the bursaries and awards of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, whose ordinances date back to 1365.