SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation, has warmly welcomed the Construction Leadership Forum's (CLF) new "Workforce Mission" initiative, which calls for greater collective action to address pervasive skills shortages across Scotland's construction sector.

Following the CLF's announcement of its Workforce Mission on Thursday, 20 June 2025, Stephanie Lowe, Deputy Chief Executive of SNIPEF, voiced strong support. “SNIPEF welcomes the launch of the CLF’s Workforce Mission and fully supports its ambition to bring the construction sector together to address the persistent and growing challenges around skills and workforce planning,” she stated.

Lowe highlighted the shared challenges faced by the plumbing and heating profession. "The plumbing and heating profession shares many of the same workforce pressures faced across the wider built environment sector. It is clear that a more coordinated, cross-sector approach, from apprenticeships to lifelong professional development, is essential to building the skilled workforce Scotland needs now and into the future."

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She underscored the critical role of employers in developing talent. "Employers are the driving force behind apprenticeships, providing the training, investment and opportunity that turn potential into practical skill. This vital contribution must be more widely recognised and valued by society if we are to attract and retain the next generation of talent."

The Deputy Chief Executive also stressed the broader economic implications of unaddressed skills gaps. "The construction sector plays a critical role in Scotland’s economic growth and social mobility. But without collective action to close workforce gaps, we risk undermining the delivery of vital infrastructure and delaying progress toward our national ambitions, including the transition to net zero."

SNIPEF is encouraging all stakeholders across the sector to engage with the CLF’s Workforce Mission and contribute to the current survey designed to gather industry insight.

"A collaborative, Scotland-first approach is now essential,” Lowe concluded, reinforcing the need for unified efforts to secure Scotland's future skilled workforce.