Download PDF version

John Doherty EngTech has been elected as the 100th President of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), calling for more action to tackle the profession’s skills shortage and greater government engagement to advance the low-carbon home heating transition.

Commenting on his election as President, John Doherty, said, "It is an honor to lead SNIPEF at this crucial time." 

addressing skills shortage

John Doherty adds, "Addressing the ongoing skills shortage in our profession is vital, particularly as the transition to low-carbon heating, essential for hitting government net-zero targets, is significantly behind. This shortfall underscores the urgency of our mission and the critical role our profession must play."

John Doherty

John Doherty & Co Ltd employs 19 full-time employees and provides a wide range of building services

Born in Dumbarton and raised in Clydebank, John was educated at Clydebank College, Cardonald College, and Glasgow College of Building and Printing.

He is a qualified Master Plumber certified by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), a certified Gas Technician through the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), and a registered Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.

In 1999, John founded John Doherty & Co Ltd. Based in Old Kilpatrick, West Dunbartonshire, the company employs 19 full-time employees and provides a wide range of building services to its clients, including Scottish Water, North View Housing Association, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Hampden Park Stadium.

Extensive industry experience

John also served as the President of the Glasgow & West of Scotland Plumbing Employers’ Association, bringing valuable leadership knowledge to his current role.

With a long-standing history of leading through innovation and a strong commitment to industry standards and environmental stewardship, Doherty brings extensive experience to his new role. Under his guidance, SNIPEF aims to spearhead substantial changes that will not only address immediate industry needs but also ensure long-term sustainability.

environmental and societal standards

A central initiative of his presidency is to bridge the skills gap within the plumbing and heating

A central initiative of his presidency is to bridge the skills gap within the plumbing and heating profession.

"By reviewing and enhancing our Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating, we aim to attract and develop the talent necessary to sustain our profession’s growth and meet evolving environmental and societal standards," John explained.

public education on sustainable heating

Additionally, John emphasized the need for public education on sustainable heating options, stating "Recent SNIPEF research has found that 59% of people do not feel they have the knowledge needed to transition to low-carbon heating systems."

He adds, "Educating homeowners and the wider community about these alternatives is essential for meeting our climate goals and our profession's economic health. We must accelerate our efforts and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure this transition is successful."

John’s presidency will run from 24 May 2024 until 23 May 2025.

Download PDF version Download PDF version

In case you missed it

How Does Building Design Impact HVAC Systems, And Vice Versa?
How Does Building Design Impact HVAC Systems, And Vice Versa?

Building design and HVAC are interdependent aspects of creating a comfortable, healthy, energy-efficient, and functional indoor environment. How important is collaboration as archi...

New Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Control System
New Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Control System

Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new user-friendly, touchscreen controller to offer full remote controllability, monitoring and reporting for up to 400 air conditioning units. T...

Carrier Training Academy Opens For UK HVAC Engineers
Carrier Training Academy Opens For UK HVAC Engineers

Carrier Solutions UK has officially opened its state-of-the-art training academy in Stockport, where it will offer industry-renowned education and support for HVAC engineers across...

vfd