Plumbing Professionals Development Scheme (PPDS) – September 2024 Update
The Plumbing Professionals Development Scheme (PPDS) is a collaboration between the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the Worshipful Company of Plumbers for the identification, training, mentoring, and career development of early-career professionals in the plumbing and heating industry.
Design
The scheme has 3 key elements.
1. The provision of Continuing Professional Development through a systematic Learning Programme, partly on-line, to develop:
- Technical Skills such as ‘green’ net zero and low-temperature systems;
- Business, Commercial, Behavioural, and Teamworking Skills to become versatile professionals;
- Excellence amongst emerging talent in the plumbing and heating sector, and the retention of such talent in the industry.
2. The provision of Mentors to raise technical, business, and people skills, and to enhance career development. Each member will have a Personal Mentor and access to a wider panel of subject-matter Specialist Mentors.
3. Promotion of appropriate networking events supported by industry bodies and organisations.
The First Cohort
We have a First 10 talented PPDS members who have all completed their NVQ Level 2:
2024 PPDS Highlights to date
1. Launch of the PPDS in January 2024.
2. Mentor selection and introductory session.
3. Mentor Training delivered by specialist David Glassman.
4. PPDS members matched to a Personal Mentor.
5. Professional Development Programme led by CIPHE.
3 Training & Development sessions have been delivered:
- 1. New heat loss calculation methodology;
- 2. Building Regulations Part L (4 parts including Q&A);
- 3. Road to Master Plumber.
The Plumbers’ Company Annual Lecture ‘No Lives Without Water’ by Gareth Owen OBE, Save the Children UK.
6. PPDS members at the Installer Show 25th to 27th June 2024.
Looking Ahead
Next Training Session – Saving Water and the Water Label criteria
Calendar of activities 2024-25
Start of the selection of 2025 Cohort
Scheme Management
PPDS is organised and run by colleagues from CIPHE and the Plumbers’ Company.
CIPHE Representatives: Tim Sainty, Jerry Whiteley, and Gary Kruse, with support from CEO Kevin Wellman.
Plumbers’ Company Representatives: Martin Shouler, Dan Tranter, Michael Spencer, and Master David Adams, with support from Immediate Past Master Paul Nash and Clerk Adrian Mumford.