Plumbing skills development for a healthy future

The modern plumbing industry in Scotland developed as a result of the poor sanitary conditions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It continues to develop into the 21st century with an increasing emphasis on accurate technological skills underpinned by well honed practical craft skills. This skills training is as a result of a competency-based education and assessment system pioneered by Scotland’s Colleges. The competency-based system allows an analysis of practical and technical skills required for plumbing, water supply and sanitation tasks. Each skill identified is taught and assessed by College staff working closely with the Scottish plumbing industry to ensure skills required by emerging technologies are integrated and that public health is protected. The experience of the Scottish plumbing industry combined with the considerable expertise in skills development of the Scottish colleges sector has the potential to make a major contribution to water and sanitation in international development and a healthy future. The competency-based model used in Scotland’s Colleges ensures that training is aligned to the current and projected needs of industry.