Should Plumbers require a license to work?
In the world of Gas Engineers, you need to be registered with the Gas Safe Register and have in your possession a Gas Safe ID that proves your legitimacy and allows you to work the trade legally. However, when it comes to Plumbing there is no legal requirement and no real identification in place that licenses these professionals. You may feel that there is no real need for licensing in this sector but introducing this type of scheme would bring about many benefits for both the plumbers themselves and the public. Currently, you could solidify your qualifications and experience through organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) yet this is not a requirement and somebody not connected to this isn't any different in reality. Today let's look at both sides of the argument on this topic and a little on the plumbing training courses we offer...
Should Plumbers require a license to work?
Do we need change?
There may be people in the industry who see no reason for change. And yet in the same way that Gas Engineers or Electricians are formally recgonised for there trade, plumbers deserve to have their hard earned skills and qualifications acknowledged as well. Putting a licensing scheme in place doesn't take away from anybody in the industry, in fact, the only individuals that wouldn't encourage these changes would be those who are in no position to become licensed. It's important that professionals are proud of what they do, a license to practice plumbing only given to those who have put in the work and proven themselves would be a proud and needed achievement for serious , hard-working plumbers and heating engineers.
What are the benefits?
There are several advantages of having a compulsory license for plumbers. Firstly, it eliminates 'rouge traders' and those who are unqualified in this sector. Having clear guidance on what the requirements are and how to property gain and retain a license professional plumbers and heating engineers can assure customers of their legitimacy through some form of ID that a licensing process would create. It might not tackle the skills gap, however, having official licensing would make the profession seem more respectable, more legitimate and professional. Being listed on a public register much like Gas Engineers makes it a standard and allows for customers to identify your legitimacy and qualifications before hiring a tradesman or woman. It's important for people to be proud of their profession and having a status only achieved through certain criteria and hard work gives a sense of achievement for working plumbers and aspiring traders.
"There is a strong case for statutory licensing, which includes prioritising the livelihoods of the professionals already operating, reducing the space in which rouge traders can operate, and raising the overall standards of the industry in order to better protect public health and wellbeing." - Kevin Wellman (Chief Executive of CIPHE)
There is still the questions of who would enforce and control the licensing, who would manage it much like how the Gas Safe Register has a good hold on what's going on in the world of Gas, investigating bad work and imposing licensing. However, there is no doubt that a scheme with the professionals in mind can elevate the entire plumbing industry and create a sense of legitimacy in this sector and even improve the overall standards of the trade. What do you think? Are you a working professional in the plumbing trade or are you a new entrant thinking about a new career in the industry?
Looking for training?
Here at our training centre in Dartford, Kent we supply our students with hands-on learning experience, detailed theory sessions and generally give them the tools and ability they need to walk into a new industry with confidence and the know-how to start a successful career! We teach students of all skill levels and offer courses from Introductory sessions to industry recognised City & Guilds qualifications and even facilitate NVQs and other advanced courses such as water regulations. If you are serious about a career in the trade then there is no better starting point than our City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing course!
This 6-week training programme will effectively teach you to become a plumber from scratch and can be taken full-time, part-time over a series of weekends and even through our Home-Study option allowing you to start learning from the comfort of your own home. We even offer an option for experienced plumbers who have no formal qualifications. To find out more give us a call or check out our range of Plumbing courses here. Take a look below at some of our students in action learning the tricks of the trade...
Contact Information:
If you would like to know more about our range of Plumbing courses feel free to contact us over the phone on 01322 280 202 - We are here to answer any questions you have about the training courses that we offer, provide guidance on the right training options that meet your personal career goals and process any booking. Alternatively, you are completely welcome to pay us a visit in person, our doors are always open to anybody interested in training with us, whilst here we can discuss the plumbing courses' available in more detail and even take you on a guided tour around our facilities. Our office is open 7-days-a-week between the hours of 8:30 - 16:30!