MARCH 2026 | VOLUME 64 | ISSUE 2


Installers say apprentices are vital for industry’s future


A recent survey has shown that employers in the industry have widespread positive views about the need to invest in apprentices, but there are also concerns that government funding reforms could lead to a drop in standards.


Over three quarters (78%) of plumbers and heating installers believe that apprenticeships are vital to encourage the next generation into plumbing and heating, according to new research.


The study, conducted by City


Plumbing, part of Highbourne Group, found that those who hire apprentices are largely motivated by experience and professional values. Four in ten (41%) say they enjoy training and mentoring new talent, while 37% previously completed an apprenticeship themselves and understand how


valuable the route is. Another 37% say apprentices help their business grow. The findings are part of the


plumbing and heating merchant’s ‘Taking the Temperature’ research, which surveyed 500 UK plumbers and heating installers. The study also revealed that 74% of installers currently employ, or have previously employed, apprentices, demonstrating that apprenticeships are deeply


embedded in how many trade businesses develop skills and plan for the future. The results also point to a generational divide in apprentice hiring, with more than 80% of installers aged under 35 saying they work with or hire apprentices, compared with just half of those aged 55 or older. Commenting on the research, Rachel Baldwin, chief people officer at Highbourne Group, says: “Our research shows that apprenticeships are part of the trade’s DNA. Most installers who hire apprentices do so because they value passing on their skills, they take pride in mentoring, and many came through the route themselves. “These fi ndings highlight that


while apprenticeship policies and funding models will continue to evolve, what does not alter is the need for experienced tradespeople to bring new people into the industry. The long-term health of plumbing and heating depends on practical, workplace


training and strong links between today’s installers and tomorrow’s workforce.”


Government review There are currently around 130,000 gas engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register, but with around half aged over 55, an estimated 65,000 could retire within the next decade. Last year, the UK government


pledged £725m to help create 50,000 more apprenticeships to


help tackle youth unemployment - with a target of doubling the current number of young people pursuing higher technical courses or apprenticeships by 2040. The government has


also announced a review of apprenticeship standards, with the aim of removing those with low take-up as part of its ‘Growth and Skills Levy’ reforms. It is claimed that these reforms will slash bureaucracy and make the process more agile and responsive to employers’ needs, so that young people can be trained faster in the


industries where they’re needed most.


A statement from the


Department for Work and Pensions says: “We are committed to creating an apprenticeships system that address the nation’s skills challenges head on and are simplifying it to give businesses the fl exibility to develop the skills they need. We have been working with businesses on the next stages of reform and will consider their feedback before making any decisions about changes to funding apprenticeship standards. Responding to the recent


government announcements, the Building Engineering Services Association has expressed concerns that “streamlining and dumbing down” could damage the reputation of apprenticeships. The Association’s director of


competence and compliance Jill Nicholls says: “Judging by what we have seen from the government so far, it looks like 2026 will be a year when the reputation of apprenticeships could go either way – it’s on a knife edge. “It is counterintuitive for a


government that claims to be focused on improving professional standards across construction in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster to be compromising the quality of this crucial route to competence,” adds Nicholls. A coalition of construction bodies,


including BESA, has launched a campaign #saveourapprenticeship to persuade the government to rethink its approach.


Business Matters See page 12


Inside this issue phamnews.co.uk


Gadgets & Tools See page 11


Training Update See page 13


Vans & Racking See page 36


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