Kevin Wellman, CEO of Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), is calling for the introduction of a Level 2 Plumbing Apprenticeship following the launch of the ‘Young people and work’ interim report on young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
The report shows around one in 10 young people are now economically inactive, costing the economy an estimated £125bn annually.
Wellman said: “Reform of the apprenticeship system must be a priority. Many apprenticeship routes have become too complex, difficult to deliver, and do not always reflect how many businesses operate in practice. We need clearer, more accessible vocational pathways into the industry. Introducing a Level 2 plumbing apprenticeship, for example, could provide an important entry point for many learners.”