Publications & Consultation Responses

Education Scotland: External review of Modern Apprenticeship delivery by SNIPEF Training Services

SNIPEF Training Services (STS) recently received an external review from HM Inspectors to evaluate the quality of provision for Modern Apprenticeship (MA) providers.

During the review, a team of HM Inspectors evaluated the quality of training provision and the experiences of apprentices and gathered the views of key stakeholders such as employers. The team met with staff, apprentices and other stakeholders. Discussions focussed on the quality of training delivery, how well the needs of apprentices are met and the approaches to improving the quality of provision.

STS received the following grades for the three categories:

Consultation submission: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill

The purpose of this consultation was to simplify the funding landscape for post-school education and training. It was introduced on 5 February 2025.

SNIPEF believes that the ultimate outcome of this legislation must be the creation of a simplified, learner-focused system that genuinely values and supports both vocational and academic pathways. A key part of this is ensuring that apprenticeships and employment-based learning are fully integrated into the strategic vision for tertiary education, not as secondary options, but as equal and essential components of a diverse and future-ready workforce.

SNIPEF welcomes the Bill’s initiative to establish a statutory framework for apprenticeships in Scotland, recognising their critical role in driving economic growth and addressing skills shortages. This formal acknowledgment underscores the importance of apprenticeships and aligns with our commitment to fostering high-quality vocational training.

In short, the Bill must deliver tangible, lasting benefits for learners, employers, providers and the broader economy, ensuring that Scotland’s skills system is fit for the future, adaptable to change and focused on delivering opportunity for all.

SNIPEF State of Trade Survey: Q4 2024

The Q4 2024 State of Trade results for the plumbing and heating profession remain Stable to Strong. Businesses reported steady or busier-than-expected trading conditions, and many achieved stable or improved profit margins through effective cost management despite ongoing increases in material prices.

Persistent challenges continue to affect the profession, including widespread workforce shortages and payment delays, particularly for larger firms working with Tier One and Two contractors. Confidence in the profession remains robust, though overall economic outlook has worsened, with many expressing pessimism about the UK economy.

Employment growth remains cautious. Most businesses do not plan to expand their workforce or take on apprentices, which could exacerbate the ongoing skills shortage. Smaller, domestic-focused companies continue to outperform, benefiting from more reliable payments and a stable client base, while larger firms and subcontractors face ongoing pressures related to delayed payments, non-payment, and supply chain instability.

Consultation Submission: Support for low carbon heating in residential buildings

The purpose of this consultation is to discuss a number of key questions and evaluate support options for low carbon heating technologies within the residential sector. The consultation sought views on a new domestic low carbon heat support scheme, exploring a range of topics, including:

• The type of low carbon heat technologies eligible for future support
• Building efficiency, suitability and eligibility requirements
• Consumer considerations and protections
• Financial assistance options
• Supply chain and industry skills to support future scheme delivery

SNIPEF State of Trade Survey: Q3 2024

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the current plumbing and heating industry landscape, SNIPEF launched its longitudinal State of Trade research project. This project aims to assess trading performance, payment practices, profit margins, supply chain issues and the profession’s future outlook from an employer’s perspective.

The Q3 2024 State of Trade results for the plumbing and heating profession are Stable to Strong. Strong demand has resulted in many businesses being busier than expected. Profit margins are stable for most firms despite universal increases in material costs. However, significant challenges persist, including payment delays, especially with larger contractors and a shortage of skilled professionals.

Employment growth is cautious, with few businesses planning to increase staff or recruit apprentices, potentially worsening the skills gap. Smaller, domestic-focused companies are performing better overall, while larger firms face more pronounced payment and supply chain issues.

Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: Solutions from the Industry

One year after its inaugural session, the Retrofit Roundtable, supported by SNIPEF and 12 industry partners, has urged the Scottish Government to swiftly implement their suggestions to ensure Scotland meets its net-zero and fuel poverty targets. Their newly released report emphasises a "fabric first" retrofit approach and calls for a dedicated ministerial group and a Retrofit Delivery Plan to address the ongoing energy inefficiency in homes.

SNIPEF Annual Review 2023

A review of SNIPEF in 2023, including its financial summary, an introduction from President George Baxter and a corporate review from Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive.

Consultation Submission: Clean Heat Market Mechanism Delay

SNIPEF supports the proposed postponement of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) to April 2025, highlighting the need for additional preparation and evaluation of the UK housing stock for heat pump feasibility. This delay will address misinformation and improve communication, ensuring a smoother transition to low-carbon heating solutions. The adjustment aims to enhance consumer confidence and align with national low-carbon goals by refining the CHMM’s framework and operational readiness.

Consultation Submission: MCS MIS-3005D

MCS undertook this consultation to refine and enhance the standards outlined in MIS 3005-D, focusing on the future of heat pump systems in homes and buildings. The consultation sought input on pivotal changes, including defining hybrid heat pump systems, adjusting the criteria for heat pump selection to potentially remove the 100% calculated heat loss requirement, and setting a new minimum of 55% peak power output for heat pumps at a 55°C flow temperature under design conditions.

Consultation Submission: Delivering Net Zero for Scotland's Buildings

The consultation presents far-reaching proposals, including phasing out polluting heating systems by 2045 and introducing rigorous energy efficiency standards. This key change is designed to lower energy bills, tackle fuel poverty, and promote healthier living spaces. Your insights are crucial in influencing these developments.

Consultation Submission: Provisions of the Education Bill (Scotland)

The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on proposals related to replacing the Scottish Qualifications Authority and approaches to maximize the role of inspection in supporting and improving education in Scotland. It aims to gather feedback to inform the development of the Education Bill, focusing on establishing a new qualifications body and introducing a new approach to education inspection. The consultation seeks to ensure that qualifications meet the needs of users and the system is transparent, involving stakeholders in decision-making. Additionally, it addresses improving educational outcomes, trust, and confidence in national education organizations through reform.

Consultation Submission: Clean Heat Market Mechanism

The CHHM aims to incentivise the UK’s heating industry to invest in making heat pumps an increasingly attractive and affordable choice for families and businesses.

The scheme would require fossil fuel boiler manufacturers (obligated parties) to install a certain number of heat pumps proportional to their fossil fuel boiler sales. It is intended to incentivise industry to invest and innovate throughout the supply chain.

Consultation Submission: Building Warrant Fees

This consultation aimed to gather opinions on the proposed enhancements to Scotland's building warrant fees. The objective was to reinforce the building standards system and formulate a new fee model for building warrants in Scotland.

Consultation Submission: Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan

Between January and May 2023, a consultation from the Scottish Government on its draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan saw submissions from communities, businesses and the public. Alma Economics was commissioned to analyse the 1,598 responses, which found that overall, respondents wanted a fair distribution of benefits and costs of decarbonisation, governmental support at all levels, and upskilling of the workforce.

The consultation contained 50 questions, of which SNIPEF responded to ten. To aid brevity, only outcomes to questions that SNIPEF answered have been included. The full consultation outcomes report can be found on the Scottish Government’s website.

Consultation Submission: Proposed changes to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

MCS published a six-week consultation on proposals to redevelop the scheme in June, seeking views from contractors, consumers, manufacturers and independent experts on how it should shape the future of MCS. In October, MCS published the outcomes of the consultation.

Enabling Professionalism: SNIPEF Strategy 2023-25

As SNIPEF commemorates its centenary, we recognise plumbing's enduring impact on society's progress and well-being. Our new strategy aims to help us move toward a low-carbon and sustainable future, placing Northern Ireland and Scotland's plumbing and heating industries at the forefront.

Our new strategy places professionalism, advocacy, and inclusivity, at its core. With 750 member companies and 5,000+ skilled operatives, we amplify our industry's voice and influence. We spearhead the nation's low-carbon ambitions by equipping professionals, promoting green solutions, and leading in safety-critical endeavours.

SNIPEF Annual Review 2022

A review of SNIPEF in 2022, including its financial summary, an introduction from President Jim Butter and a corporate review from Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive.

Best Practice Guide: Advice to help contractors and sub-contractors improve their management of building contracts.

(Published by the Construction Industry Collective Voice)

Experts in the industry have prepared this Best Practice Guide to provide real-life examples of improving practice across the entire contractual chain.

Best practice advice covers important areas, such as:

• Tender qualifications
• Contract amendments
• Payment schedules
• Payment applications
• Variations
• Retentions
• Fluctuations
• Notices
• Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP)

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Research: Payment and cashflow in construction

This research, published by the Construction Industry Collective Voice, was conducted to help gain an accurate picture of the current financial landscape in the Scottish construction industry.

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