P&H Engineering / Q1 2022

EDUCATION

VIEWS , NEWS AND DE VELOPMENT S AFFEC TING NEW RECRUIT S TO OUR INDUS TRY

APPRENTICESHIPS

Recruitment drive As the drive to produce net zero carbon ramps up a gear following the COP26 summit, what more can the industry do to encourage people to join the ranks?

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ith a significant shortage of qualified heating and plumbing engineers in the UK, there is a desperate need to attract higher numbers and a more diverse demographic into the industry.

All inclusive The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on apprenticeship starts, which fell in 2020. This, coupled with the end of workers from

30 P&H ENGINEERING | QUARTER ONE | 2022

the EU being able to work in the UK, could see price rises for consumers and more unqualified people entering the sector, so it’s in everyone’s interest to encourage more apprentices into the industry.

“Giving access to all groups of people in society, including disadvantaged groups who would not generally get access to business and industry due to their circumstances, is incredibly important in my view,” says Jason Clark, LCGI EngTech FCIPHE RP MIOD. “This is something I do as a business owner on a regular basis as part of my company commitment to social responsibility.

“It’s important to include a more diverse demographic to show that the industry is open to all. We can do this by way of highlighting people that have achieved and become a trailblazer, such as the current first black president of the CIPHE, Mel Gumbs. I hope to continue to improve awareness and include a wider demographic by hosting students and apprentices at my business for inspirational talks.”

The industry is beginning to move away from the stereotypical view of what a tradesperson should look like and consumers will ultimately benefit from the variety of skills a diverse industry will bring.

CIPHE.ORG.UK