The Forgotten Side of Apprenticeships | SNIPEF Research into Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeships
Send us Fan MailEpisode descriptionAre we doing enough to support the employers who train the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers?In this special episode of BetaTalk, Nathan welcomes Barry Sharp, Emma Bohan and Stephanie Lowe from SNIPEF to discuss new research into apprenticeships in Scotland and the growing challenges facing employers who want to take on apprentices.The research highlights a fundamental problem with the current apprenticeship system: employers are the forgotten part of the equation.While colleges and training providers receive funding to deliver apprenticeship programmes, and apprentices receive wages and support, the businesses responsible for providing the majority of practical, workplace training are often left to cover the costs themselves.For small plumbing and heating businesses, particularly sole traders and micro employers, taking on an apprentice is becoming increasingly difficult. Rising wages, National Insurance costs, insurance, tools, uniforms, administration and the considerable time required to train someone all add up.The discussion explores why encouraging more young people to become apprentices isn't necessarily the answer. There are already young people looking for plumbing and heating apprenticeships. The real challenge is finding employers who can afford to take them on.Nathan and the guests also discuss the need for a better apprenticeship funding model, including a proposed funding structure that supports employers progressively throughout the four years of an apprenticeship.Other topics include the differences between plumbing and heating apprenticeships and other trades, the limitations of college-based learning, the importance of connecting classroom theory with practical experience, and how manufacturers could help fund apprenticeships as part of their investment in the future heating workforce.With the UK needing tens of thousands of additional heat pump engineers to meet its decarbonisation targets, supporting employers to train new people has never been more important.This is an important conversation about the future of plumbing and heating apprenticeships, skills shortages, youth employment and the people who actually make apprenticeships work.What we discuss in this episodeThe SNIPEF apprenticeship research: Why the research was commissioned and what employers across Scotland told SNIPEF about the challenges of taking on apprentices.The apprenticeship triangle: Why employers, apprentices and training providers must all be recognised and supported for the apprenticeship system to work.The real cost of employing an apprentice: Wages, pensions, National Insurance, insurance, tools, PPE, uniforms, administration and the time spent training.Why employers are turning away apprentices: Young people are actively looking for opportunities, but businesses increasingly struggle to afford the commitment.Funding for plumbing and heating apprenticeships in Scotland: How apprenticeship funding is allocated and why SNIPEF believes employers need direct financial support.A better apprenticeship funding model: The suggestion of increasing employer support during the early years, with contributions changing as apprentices develop their skills and become more productive.The apprenticeship levy: Could unused apprenticeship levy funding be redirected to support smaller businesses and employers who do not pay into the levy?The differences between plumbing and heating and other trades: Why emergency repairs, unpredictable working hours, travel and customer commitments create additional challenges for plumbing and heating employers.College training versus workplace learning: Why practical training and classroom theory need to be connected to what apprentices are actually doing on site.The problem with poor working practices: Why an apprentice's employer is such an important influence on their training and why qualifications alone do not necessarily demonstrate competence.Manufacturers supporting apprenticeships: The example of Vaillant funding low-carbon heating apprenticeships and working with independent employers to provide workplace experience.The future of heat pump training: Why the transition to low-carbon heating requires a much larger skilled workforce and greater investment in apprenticeships.The importance of supporting small businesses: Why sole traders and micro businesses need practical help with payroll, training responsibilities and the administration involved in employing apprentices.The future of plumbing and heating careers: Why apprenticeships offer young people a route into well-paid, skilled employment without the university debt associated with many other career paths.Key takeawayApprenticeships cannot exist without employers.If the plumbing and heating industry wants more skilled engineers, particularly to support the transition to low-carbon heating and heat pumps, it must make employing and training apprentices financially viable.The industry doesn't simply need to encourage more young people to apply for apprenticeships. It needs to support the businesses that make those apprenticeships possible.GuestsStephanie Lowe – SNIPEFDiscussing the research, the Scottish apprenticeship system, employer funding and SNIPEF's campaign to ensure employers are recognised as an essential part of apprenticeship training.Barry SharpSharing his experience and perspective on the challenges facing plumbing and heating employers and the need to make apprenticeships more sustainable.Emma BohanDiscussing the financial realities of employing apprentices, workplace training, employer investment and the future skills needed by the heating industry.About BetaTalkBetaTalk is a podcast exploring plumbing, heating, renewable energy, heat pumps, industry training and the people shaping the future of the heating sector.Hosted by Nathan, BetaTalk brings together installers, manufacturers, trainers, industry experts and policymakers to discuss the issues affecting the plumbing and heating industry.Website: https://betateach.co.ukSponsored by Payaka, UK Rads, Cast Rads, Primary Pro, Heat Engineer Software and Wolseley's Renewable Centre.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky
