In view of the imminent closure of SummitSkills at the end of March, the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), BPEC and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) have worked together to establish the ‘Plumbing and Heating Skills Partnership’ (PHSP).
This new Skills Partnership will have a UK focus and be led by employers from the plumbing and heating industry. It will also take over responsibility for the skills needs of the industry as from April 1, 2017. The PHSP will work closely with other industry and government organisations that have a keen interest in skills to help meet the needs of our industry.
At the SummitSkills Board Meeting held on October 20, the future strategic direction of SummitSkills was discussed in detail. All board members agreed that a huge effort had been made by all staff and stakeholders since the reorganisation of SummitSkills in 2014.
Ian Livsey, chairman, said: “It has become clear that due to continued uncertainty in the sector and significant changes over recent years, the ongoing viability of SummitSkills in its current form is now in question, including its ability to trade in the future.
“It was therefore agreed that SummitSkills will be wound down in an orderly manner and will cease operations from 31 March 2017. This decision was taken with much sadness and deliberation, following a lengthy discussion among all those present.”