City & Guilds, a global leader in skills development, and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry, have announced a new strategic collaboration designed to transform the future of plumbing and heating education.
This landmark agreement brings together two recognised leaders in vocational training and professional standards to tackle critical workforce challenges facing the sector. The partnership will enhance training quality, expand educational access, and future-proof the workforce through innovative joint initiatives.
The collaboration responds to urgent industry needs highlighted in City & Guilds recent report “Foundations for the Future: Building the Skills to deliver 1.5 million homes”, which found that 24% of Plumbing and heating training providers struggled to recruit learners. The partnership aims to deliver impactful solutions that support learners, educators, and employers while closing the skills gap in this essential industry.
The CIPHE’s 2024 Education Survey identified issues with current plumbing standards, with 90% of respondents supporting a proposal to introduce both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships. In addition, there was widespread support for an Experienced Worker Route to help upskill the industry.
The collaboration will deliver transformative benefits:
Accelerate capacity building in the education sector – by designing and delivering co-sponsored Train the Trainer programmes that strengthen the educator workforce and improve training standards across the industry.
Raise awareness of career opportunities – by educating learners and their parents about the economic prospects and professional pathways available in the plumbing and heating industry.
Future-proof the esteem and validity of recognised training routes – by developing and updating qualifications and assessments in line with industry-recognised competence frameworks, ensuring training remains relevant.
Recognise a skilled workforce and reward lifelong learning – by linking qualification achievement and Continuing Professional Development to the industry.
Support the bursaries and awards of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers whose ordinances date back to 1365.
The partnership recognises the urgent need to close the industry’s skills gap, by providing practical solutions that directly support learners, educators, and employers.
Both City & Guilds and CIPHE are long-established institutions with Royal Charters, with decades of experience within the education and training landscape.
This collaboration cements a long-standing relationship – City & Guilds as the UK’s largest awarding organisation in plumbing and heating, and CIPHE as an educational charity promoting the science and engineering principles of plumbing and heating for the ultimate benefit of the public. Together, they will harness industry insight, extensive networks, and educational expertise to drive meaningful change through innovation and excellence.
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO of City & Guilds commented: “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in filling urgent skills needs. It will empower learners and educators in the plumbing and heating sector with the support they need to succeed. By combining our expertise with CIPHE’s deep industry insight, we’re creating a powerful platform for innovation, excellence, and opportunity. Together, we’re not just responding to the needs of today’s workforce—we’re building strong foundations for a competent and thriving future talent pipeline.”
Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE, added: “We are delighted to formalise this strategic collaboration with City & Guilds. Our shared commitment to raising standards, supporting professional development, and promoting the value of skilled trades will have a lasting impact on the plumbing and heating sector. This will help ensure that our industry is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional standing it deserves to safeguard the safety, health and wellbeing of the public.”
About City & Guilds:
City & Guilds is the trusted global skills partner. Since 1878, we have been dedicated to advancing the skills that people, organisations and societies need to thrive, both now and in the future. With 5.1 million learners of all ages and backgrounds worldwide, we understand the life-changing link between skills development, social mobility, prosperity, and success.
We champion vocational and technical training routes and collaborate with industries and government to campaign for improvements across the global skills landscape. Working with over 1500 employers we deliver high-quality skills training and credentials, both in person and online, that meet the evolving needs of industry and skills challenges.
Our qualifications and awards are delivered to thousands of colleges and training providers across the globe, creating end-to-end solutions and improving learner skills and productivity. City & Guilds courses have contributed £15.3bn to society in the UK alone.
Through our City & Guilds Foundation we amplify our purpose by focusing on high-impact social investment, recognition, and advocacy programs. These initiatives aim to remove barriers to getting a job, celebrate best practice on the job, and advocate for jobs of the future.
City & Guilds Training, Gen2, Intertrain, ILM and The Oxford Group brands are all a part of City & Guilds.
About CIPHE:
Founded in 1906, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. It was set up to raise professional standards within the industry, provide technical support to installers and manufacturers, and protect consumers. Its membership is made up of individuals, practitioners, consultants, specifiers, designers, public health engineers, lecturers, trainers and trainees.
The institute’s vision is to create technical excellence through which the public will receive the benefit of a protected environment and enhanced sustainability, together with improved safety and health through the provision of correctly installed, commissioned, maintained and decommissioned plumbing and heating systems.
CIPHE was incorporated by the Royal Charter on 12 February 2008. It is a registered educational charity and obtained charitable status in 1979. The Institute is governed by its Royal Charter and Bye-Laws. The Bye-Laws and Regulations are under constant review and were last updated in June 2025, and future amendments will be carried out when necessary.
