The second Quality Plumber Week is taking place (28th September – 4th October, 2015) to celebrate the essential and highly skilled work plumbers carry out every day.
Doing the jobs that most householders would rather leave, plumbers often come to the rescue with burst pipes and broken boilers but are rarely recognised for the service they provide.
Organised by Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), the week aims to raise awareness of the skills within the plumbing and heating industry, whilst shining a spotlight on the many plumbing businesses that play a vital part in our communities, from unblocking sinks to making sure drinking water is safe. Quality Plumber Week will also stress the importance of using properly qualified, trained and accredited plumbers in a bid to reduce the numbers of rogue traders operating in the industry.
Plumbers are being encouraged to get involved and win ‘seven prizes in seven days’. Quality plumbers can post pictures of themselves working on quality installations throughout the week using the #QPW15 to be entered into a daily prize draw. Working with partner trade suppliers, prizes include: a wet room kit from AKW Ltd; MagnaCleanse flushing system; Bosch professional cordless hammer drill; Polypipe plumbing equipment; Wilo backpacks and Hep20 goody bags from Wavin.
In addition, resources are available to download from the QPW website, such as a template release for plumbers and suppliers to distribute to their local press, suggested social media links, various plumbing factoids and more information on the week.
John Thompson, Chief Executive at APHC, added: “There are thousands of excellent plumbers working throughout England and Wales who provide exceptional service and advice to homes and businesses. Unfortunately for them, rogue traders seem to grab the headlines, which tarnishes the entire industry. On behalf of not only our members, but also every hardworking plumber, we want to recognise the skills and work they do.
“The plumbing industry prides itself on extremely high standards, with plumbers and suppliers continually developing new systems and technologies to benefit the way we live. Plumbing businesses also contribute significantly to our economy. For example, youth employment is being addressed via apprenticeships and on the job training to ensure the next generation of plumbers is competent in the trade.”
With an eye on training future quality plumbers, a new level 3 Apprenticeship standard for Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians was launched in March 2015 as part of the Government’s Trailblazer programme. The standard, developed by plumbing employers, has been designed to more effectively meet the needs of the industry and includes a number of improvements that will benefit both the learner and their employer. In addition to the employer group leading the Trailblazer, a stakeholder group comprising SummitSkills, APHC, CIPHE, BPEC, Unite, JTL, City & Guilds, EAL and Logic supported the employers and provided technical guidance.
For more information on Quality Plumber Week and to learn how you can get involved, visit www.aphc.co.uk/quality-plumber-week. You can also join the conversation and thank your plumber on social media at #QPW15.
