The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) has joined forces with MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) to make renewable technology a core focus of the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition.
As Scotland progresses towards a low-carbon heating future, this partnership strengthens SPAY’s 50-year legacy as the country’s renowned plumbing and heating apprenticeship competition.
MCS will assume the sponsorship of the competition’s renewable technologies category – reinforcing the importance of decarbonization for the future of the industry and the opportunities it will create for the next generation of skilled professionals.
SNIPEF and MCS partnership
The partnership will also ensure that apprentices competing in the category gain industry-recognized skills
The partnership will also ensure that apprentices competing in the category gain industry-recognized skills and a clear pathway to opportunities in the drive towards net-zero.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: "As Scotland moves towards a low-carbon future, the role of the plumbing and heating profession has never been more critical. The transition to renewable heating solutions requires a skilled workforce, and this partnership with MCS ensures that apprentices are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver the next generation of sustainable heating systems."
Embedding renewable technology competition within SPAY
Fiona Hodgson adds, "By embedding the renewable technology competition within SPAY, we are not only raising the profile of this essential skillset but also creating real opportunities for apprentices to lead in Scotland’s energy transition."
Ian Rippin, Chief Executive of MCS, said: "With more consumers turning to home-grown energy to heat and power their homes, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognized standards. Partnering with SNIPEF to integrate renewables into the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition is a crucial step in developing a skilled workforce for the future."
Driving the future of clean energy
Ian Rippin adds, "We must ensure that apprentices entering the profession are well-prepared to drive the future of clean energy, and this collaboration helps to position them at the forefront of Scotland’s transition to sustainable heating solutions."
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year competition has remained a key event in Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprenticeship calendar, helping to develop more than 1,200 apprentices into skilled professionals over the years.
Renewable technology category focuses on heat pumps
Renewable technology category focuses on heat pumps, testing the ability to install low-carbon systems
This year’s competition, hosted at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride on 13 June, will see apprentices compete in three categories: copper, leadwork, and renewable technologies.
The renewable technology category focuses on heat pumps, testing apprentices’ ability to install and maintain these critical low-carbon systems.
Meanwhile, with the Scottish plumbing and heating apprenticeship framework under review, with efforts advancing to integrate more renewable technology training into core apprenticeship programs.
Heat in Buildings Bill
Fiona Hodgson continued: "Even with delays to recent policy, such as the Heat in Buildings Bill, the reality is clear, Scotland’s heating systems are changing. Whether it’s government-led initiatives, consumer demand or sustainability goals, heat pumps are going to be a core and growing part of the profession’s future."
She further adds, "The SPAY competition, as an important event in our apprenticeship calendar plays a key role in this, providing a high-profile platform for apprentices to showcase their expertise and build a future-ready skill set."
Tackling the workforce challenges in the Net-Zero transition
The demand for skilled professionals in renewable heating is growing rapidly
The demand for skilled professionals in renewable heating is growing rapidly, but apprenticeship numbers are not keeping pace. A shortage of trained heat pump specialists could slow Scotland’s transition to cleaner heating, increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike.
While many employers want to invest in apprentices, rising costs, including higher material prices, energy costs and employer National Insurance contributions, make it harder to do so. Without government-backed financial support, fewer businesses will be able to train apprentices, putting Scotland’s net-zero ambitions at risk.
Need for more businesses to take on apprentices
Fiona Hodgson concludes: “We need more businesses to take on apprentices, but the reality is that many simply can’t afford to. Apprenticeships are the backbone of our profession, but businesses need real financial support to continue training the next generation."
She adds, “The Scottish Government must act now to introduce targeted incentives that help employers take on apprentices in critical plumbing and heating skills. If we don’t invest today, we risk not having the workforce we need tomorrow.”
SNIPEF lobbies to increase funding for HVAC apprenticeship
SNIPEF will continue to lobby the Scottish Government to increase funding for the plumbing and heating apprenticeship and provide greater financial support to employers, ensuring businesses can continue training the professionals Scotland needs to meet its net-zero commitments.
