August 2007
Getting In and Getting On
The IPHE is holding a free one-day conference, organised by the Women in Plumbing Group (WPG), which will focus on training and career progression (this conference is open to men and women – members and non-members). It will take place on Wednesday 28th November at the Union Jack Club in London. The conference is aimed at people already enrolled on plumbing and heating courses and for those who are qualified and experienced enough to consider starting their own business. Employers are especially welcome. Consideration for a place will also be given to anyone thinking of coming into the industry.
Besides hearing from some excellent speakers, delegates will have the choice of attending workshops in the morning and afternoon, which will cover creating a professional CV, practical business advice and progressing to NVQ Level 3.
Cathryn Hickey, Operations Director for SummitSkills will be chairing the conference. Delegates will hear from Chris Humphries CBE, Director General of City and Guilds, who will be talking about qualifications recognised by the industry. Alison Ashworth-Brown, HR specialist from N G Bailey, will give tips on increasing your chances of getting a job/work experience. British Gas will head a session on employment opportunities and JTL will be introducing an employer and trainee that have gone down the apprentice route.
“We are hoping to attract a number of employers to attend the conference,” says Barbara Field, chair of the WPG. “This will be a great opportunity to bring everyone together to discuss the way forward.”
The conference is free and includes a buffet lunch and refreshments. There will be an opportunity to network after the event. This conference is being jointly sponsored by Mira Showers and PTS Plumbing Trade Supplies. Grundfos Pumps Ltd are also supporting the conference.
Booking forms can be downloaded from the WPG page on the IPHE website – www.iphe.org.uk or by emailing wpgconference@hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively, please ring Carol Cannavan on 01708 463114.
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AUGUST 2007
Use a professional
The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), has warned homeowners affected by the recent flooding to steer clear of non-professionally qualified plumbers and heating engineers. The floods have presented an opportunity for those who prey on consumers when they are at their most vulnerable.
Speaking on BBC Radio Gloucester earlier in the week, Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the Institute told listeners to carefully check the qualifications of plumbing and heating engineers, particularly those who might be posting cards and flyers through the letterbox of affected properties.
"After an event like this there will always be the unscrupulous few who seek to take advantage of those who are at their most vulnerable having suffered in these circumstances. There will inevitably be a shortage of professionals and consumers will probably be eager to get repairs underway, this is the ideal breeding ground for the rogue trader."
He went on to say that insurance companies will also be under pressure from their customers to get the job done. "What we need is a clearer way for everyone to know that the plumber or heating engineer is properly qualified. If a firm is a member of the APHC, HVCA, SNIPEF or the individual is an IPHE member then these bodies will have checked that the qualifications meet the industry standard. Many people mistakenly think that if they use someone who is CORGI registered that person will be a competent plumber, but CORGI is gas safety registration."
If you are in any doubt give the IPHE a call on 01708 472791 or check the website www.iphe.org.uk.
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AUGUST 2007