June 2002
First Lady...
Jennifer Wood EngTech MIP RP, plumbing tutor at Canterbury College, was presented with a Master Plumber Certificate at the Institute of Plumbing's Conference 2002 at Brighton on Saturday 8th June. Jennifer is the first woman in the Institute to receive the prestigious Certificate, which shows she has reached excellence in the art, craft, science and practice of plumbing. She has 23 years' experience in the industry and is a Council Member of the National Association of Plumbing Teachers.Launched on the 2nd June at the last year's Conference in Stratford-upon-Avon, it is hoped the term Master Plumber will become a name synonymous with excellent workmanship. The Certificate is awarded jointly by the Institute of Plumbing, the Worshipful Company of Plumbers and the City and Guilds of London Institute, with full backing from the Engineering Council (UK) and valuable input from the National Association of Plumbing Teachers. The aim is to heighten the level of achievement one can attain as a plumber. This will have several effects, which include a step towards relieving the skills shortage.
The Certificate is intended to encourage the young into the industry by identifying those from whom they can learn the skills, competence, responsibility and professionalism they need to become a valuable member of the industry. The Master Plumber Certificate provides a new dimension to a career in plumbing by presenting a goal that plumbers can aspire to. The scheme identifies the leaders in this sector of industry.
ENDS (220 WORDS)
JUNE 2002
Brilliant Brighton!
The Institute of Plumbing's Conference 2002, held in Brighton from 6th - 9th June, attracted nearly 300 delegates, families and exhibitors. It's the second time the Conference has been held in the City of Brighton and it was satisfying to see a lot of new faces. The theme this year was "Learning and Skills - Accentuating the Positive".Edward Hopkinson, Past Master of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers, introduced the speakers over the two-day Conference period.
On Friday morning David Smith, Director of Operations Learning and Skills Council, gave a talk on the changes taking place in workforce development and explained how employers and employees can get help from the Learning and Skills Council.
Andy Watts, Chief Executive of the Institute of Plumbing, followed David and gave a brief talk on the World Plumbing Council (to which the Institute is the Secretariat) and the Plumbing and Heating Industry Alliance. Andy sees both organisations as "forces for good" proving that working together not only makes sense, but is essential in an increasingly complex world.
Next on the platform was Russ Chaney, Executive Director International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials - USA. Russ continued the theme of Andy's presentation and explained in more detail the work carried out by the WPC and in particular the developing relationship with the World Health Organisation.
Ursula Russell MBE, Chair, Learning & Skills Council (LSC), Coventry & Warwickshire gave an enthusiastic and witty presentation to delegates. Life has been hectic for Ursula since she addressed the Industrial Associate Assembly in September last year. Coventry & Warwickshire LSC has now launched Plumbline – connecting plumbers to training. They are also driving ahead with a Construction Centre of Vocational Excellence.
Geberit's Training Development Manager, Julian Blunt told delegates about the £700,000 investment in the new training centre in Aylesford, Kent. Julian discussed the differences between the UK plumbing industry and Germany, the main one being plumbers are seen as professionals in Germany and have higher status.
After lunch, outgoing President Tony Kite IEng FIOP RP introduced Derek Niven (Britain's Favourite Plumber) and presented Alan Carlyle IEng FIOP RP with his Master Plumber Certificate. Tony thanked everyone for the help and friendship given to him and his wife Val during his term of office. The AGM followed and the annual report was adopted.
Elections then took place and Alan Carlyle was elected as the new IoP National President. Eric Mace EngTech FIOP RP is now the Vice-President of the Institute. George Wingfield was re-elected onto the Board of Trustees, along with John Mayfield (Treasurer).The Surrey Branch was the national winner of the Jimmy Haig Cup. As usual it was a difficult choice because of hard work put in by so many of the Branches, but it was felt that Surrey had surpassed all with their commitment to Professional Development and training events. The first runner up was Bristol Branch (South West Area) and the following Branches were also runners up: Midlands Area, Leicester Branch; North East Area, Newcastle Branch; North West Area, Manchester and the Scotland Management Committee.
On Saturday the Conference was officially opened by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor David Watkins. The first presentation was given by Terry Woolliscroft, Customer Manager, Twyford Bathrooms. Terry's entertaining talk centred on plumbing through the ages and culminated in Twyford's Versatile Interactive Pan (VIP loo!).
Bob Henry was the next speaker and talked about the positive aspects of Statutory Regulation. Bob's presentation showed that registration is growing steadily, standards are rising and a very high percentage of installers pass the ASC courses.
On behalf of the Copper Development Association, UK Copper Board, Nicholas Hay gave a talk on the future for residential fire sprinklers. The presentation outlined the opportunities for members of the Institute to extend their business. He commented: "It is a growth market with great potential, under a favourable regulatory climate."
Brian Whorlow, Business Training Manager, Marley Plumbing and Drainage covered BSEN 12056. Brian talked about the major changes being introduced to plumbing design, by the publication of BSEN 12056. He went on to say that changes can develop opportunities for those wise enough to seek information or embrace CPD.
Energy efficiency was the topic of Don Lack, Head of Service for Energy Management at Leicester City Council. He told the audience that 40,000 people die each year from cold related deaths. He emphasized that in respect of global warming, the plumbing profession should take the lead in the implementation of "greener" plumbing solutions.
The National Association of Plumbing Teachers was represented by Paul Joyce, Head of Construction Services. Paul explained the role of the teacher and gave an insight into the different NVQ levels and the training and assessment requirements. He urged delegates to consider the possibility of becoming plumbing teacher.
Simon Bartley, chairman of the implementation group of a proposed "services" Sector Skills Council (SSC), gave a brief talk on the possible formation of a SSC covering plumbing, H & V, electrical and related disciplines. The aims will be to: set the standards; research the requirements for industry and entice more people to enter the industry and encourage more employers to train.
The last speaker was Chris Senior, Senior Executive, Professional Development for the Engineering Council (UK). Chris talked about the changes that the Engineering Council had gone through and the new Engineering Technology Board. His theme was excellence and he reminded delegates that individuals should market themselves through their qualifications.
To round off the proceedings, Geoff Marsh presented Jennifer Wood, Owen O'Neill and Colin Stainer with Master Plumber Certificates. Jennifer is the Institute's first woman to receive the Master Plumber Certificate.
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JUNE 2002