The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has welcomed this week’s Budget announcement.
The institute highlighted several issues of particular interest to the plumbing and heating industry, including £24bn earmarked for a multi-year housing settlement, £11.5bn to build 180,000 new affordable homes, £1.6bn over three years to roll out new T-levels for 16 to 19-year-olds, and a total investment of £554m by 2024-25 to “substantially increase retraining and upskilling opportunities for adults”.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE, said: “The Chancellor has built on previous announcements around the Prime Minister’s lifetime skills guarantee and further funding for apprenticeships, by focussing on T-Levels and building new Institutes of Technology.
“It is encouraging to see the Chancellor investing in vocational and adult education, especially when we are on the cusp of having to upskill engineers for the move to low carbon heating. However, I implore government to work more closely with the CIPHE to ensure that training from T-Levels to technological enhancement is fit for purpose. As ever, we would urge government to push further to help SMEs in developing the next generation of the workforce.
“Overall, the budget looks good for the industry, with funding for new housing and confirmation of investment to make homes and buildings warmer and more environmentally friendly. I sincerely hope that the shortage of adequately skilled installers does not prevent the Chancellor’s aspirations coming to fruition.
“For consumers, it is encouraging to see government intervention for low income families, with the introduction of the £421 million Household Support Fund. There will be many vulnerable people struggling with high fuel bills, having to make the stark decision between eating or heating this winter. It’s vital that help and support is available for those who need it.”