The JIB-PMES strongly recommends any operatives who are working in the Plumbing and Heating industry without a Level 3 qualification to take advantage of the current funding available for industry-recognised qualifications while it remains available.
Under the government’s ‘Lifetime Skills Guarantee’ any adult aged 19 or over in England, who does not already have a Level 3 qualification, can receive free training from hundreds of colleges and training providers across the country.
The following qualifications:
- City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances)
- City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating
are included on the list of funded qualifications, both of which lead to recognition as a fully qualified plumber, and access to the JIB-PMES CSCS Plumber gold card.
With both courses normally costing thousands of pounds to complete, the funding available will provide essential support to those looking to train or upskill to become a fully qualified plumber.
To find out more and to begin the application process, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/free-courses-for-jobs
Funding is also available for the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plumbing, along with the BPEC Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing Foundation and the EAL Advanced Diploma in Plumbing. These qualifications are key ‘stepping stones’ on industry approved training routes, for those who wish to continue to develop their technical knowledge before gaining work experience.
Those who complete the Level 3 technical diploma qualifications must then gain work-based experience and complete the NVQ Diploma to be recognised as a qualified plumber.
The full list of qualifications covered by the scheme is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/find-a-free-level-3-qualification/list-of-free-level-3-qualifications-available-to-eligible-adults
