Installer Show and Bursary Awards 2022
Our 2022 Plumbing Bursary Awards were presented by the Master at the Installers Show at the NEC Birmingham, the largest and most important plumbing and heating trade show in the UK.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers (WCoP) working with a number of trade and professional bodies focused on Apprenticeships for the Future at this year’s Installer Show. Industry organisations working alongside the WCoP including APHC, BESA, BPEC, City & Guilds, CIPHE, JIB, SNIPEF and WRAS, with representatives from each attending the event, kicked-off a programme of activity based around recognising and developing the next generation of plumbing and heating professionals.
As well as highlighting the variety of career paths available in the plumbing and heating sector for young and retrained people, the WCoP presented numerous apprenticeship and industry awards throughout the exhibition. In particular, our Master, Nick Jones, present this year’s WCoP Bursary Awards on Apprentice Day, Thursday 23 June.
The WCoP’s tools and equipment Bursary scheme has been running for over 20 years, and is designed to help students working towards S/NVQ Level 3 MES (Plumbing) or equivalent to purchase essential kit that can otherwise prove costly alongside studies. Bursaries of up to £1,000 for plumbing students are awarded in the form of vouchers for equipment, which is sponsored by Monument Tools and City & Guilds. Students apply direct to the WCoP for a Bursary and must have a reference from their lecturer or employer. Professional bodies are also encouraged to support students who, in their opinion, meet the criteria and would therefore merit consideration as a possible recipient of a Bursary.
In addition, we also presented Certificates of Excellence to the winners of last year’s Installer Merit Awards, winners of BPEC’s Awards for Excellence for 2021 and the HIP Learner of the Year in 2022.
Richard Soper CBE, Chairman of our Education and Technical Committee, said:
“As we put the pandemic behind us and look to the future, it is great to be able to step back and celebrate people’s personal and professional achievements.
Having negotiated three periods of national lockdown, the plumbing and heating industry has continued to support local communities throughout, protecting vulnerable individuals in the process. It is only right that we take a moment to reflect and recognise the tremendous effort made by so many students, apprentices and professional installers during this time.
Being one of the most ancient of the Livery Companies of the City of London, the Worshipful Company of Plumbers has served the craft of plumbing continuously for over 650 years. It was founded to promote and maintain high standards of craftsmanship and business conduct, so being able to award a number of Certificates of Excellence this year, as well as continuing the Bursary scheme, is an important aspect of bringing this ethos through to 2022 and beyond.”
Click on the picture below to see a short video on the presentations and the recipients. You can also read the press release from the event. Congratulations to all of them and we wish them all a successful career! And well done to Richard Soper, who masterminded this highly successful joint industry and professional body initiative, which will hopefully continue and grow for many years into the future.
The Master, Nick Jones on the left and Richard Soper in the centre, being interviewed at the show
Next year’s Installer Show is 27-29 June 2023 also at the NEC Birmingham. Put the date in you diary now!