Readers’ letters

Intouch Please send your letters, which may be edited, to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk.

Why won’t companies invest in the industry’s next generation?

I teach Level 3 plumbing and gas at a small private training organisation in the South-east area.

My colleagues and I went to the PHEX exhibition at Chelsea Stadium just before Christmas to have a look at what was new in the industry, and chat to the company representatives at the event.

In the past, I’ve had many offers of training and free products from exhibitors. As a small training organisation, it makes a huge difference to have large and small manufacturers help us out with free or very discounted appliances and equipment, in exchange for promoting their products to our students.

The brand loyalty that this can engender in trainees may not deliver immediate sales, but I know from experience that it translates into repeat business and recommendations when they are fully qualified and out working in the industry.

Although we had many promises of assistance in many different forms, only one company actually contacted us and offered any form of help.

I spoke to two other tutors working in practical training – one from hair and beauty and the other in motor mechanics. They have both attended trade shows and have had many offers of help and products and equipment provided free of charge to help their trainees achieve their goals.

Why is it that in one of the greatest boom times for plumbing and heating in the last few decades, none of the firms raking in the cash can find the time and money to invest a little in the future of the industry? Name withheld