SNIPEF Director, Robert Burgon has issued a warning to those contemplating enrolling on a 'Fast Track' course.

In recent years, there has been a massive increase in what are known as 'fast track' training providers that tempt people to enrol on expensive short courses purportedly to learn all there is to know about plumbing.

In most cases, such courses do not lead to the achievement of a Level 3 SVQ which is the minimum qualification required by the industry in Scotland.

Mr Burgon said: "Plumbing and heating is a highly advanced and technologically challenging occupation. In Scotland the industry normally needs to recruit approximately 400-500 new apprentices each year to meet industry demands. These apprentices learn their trade through achievement of a SVQ level 3 qualification and also through the skills and experience they gain during their apprenticeship period.

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"Traditional apprenticeships which last for four years and are delivered in employment with part-time attendance at one of Scotland's Colleges of Further Education, are still the method by which the industry recruits the majority of new plumbers.

"Anyone reading articles or adverts claiming that the industry needs thousands of new recruits needs to be very wary indeed. Behind such claims are often 'fast track' training providers whose main aim is to sell places on inappropriate training courses. In fact the industry in Scotland has been recruiting sufficient new apprentices to meet anticipated future demand."

He added this warning to customers: "Unfortunately, un-regulated trainers will often turn out "cowboy" plumbers, with all the risks to public health that entails. These individuals also have little experience in dealing with challenging plumbing or heating tasks. Make sure that when you use a plumber you ask to see their Industry Registration card- this will confirm if they have completed a proper plumbing apprenticeship."

(GK/JM)