There is always a shortage of qualified and trained trade skills personnel, whatever the economic weather! It’s been a consistent fact voiced many times and recently highlighted by a new document from the Commission for Employment and Skills, entitled ‘Ambition 2020’.The report suggests that Britain must dramatically improve the skills of its workforce in order […]
You can always tell the difference between an experienced, professional tiler’s finish and the DIY enthusiast. It’s invariably a case of ‘nearly but not quite’! There is no substitute for possessing real insider knowledge, trained skills, and investment in quality tools.How many times have we seen workmanship which leaves much to be desired? From a […]
It is an encouraging sign for both the recovering UK economy and the development of renewable energy, that the latest news of a heat pump system, installed to replace an out-dated coal fire in the North of England, looks like kickstarting the scheme operated by Community Energy Solutions (CES), in partnership with housing provider, Home […]
Once again, the persistent problem of asbestos is being highlighted in the media. Although the manufacture and working with asbestos and its products have been banned for 30 years in the UK, as well as many other countries in the world, there are developing countries, such as Russia, India and China, who have become prominent […]
City and Guilds have, this month, announced that the new QCF 2357 qualification, which was due to be phased in to replace NVQ 2330 from September 2010, is delayed until 2011. This means that all those who are currently thinking about taking the City & Guilds Electrical NVQ 2330 course can continue to do so.When […]
Last month, the newly elected Coalition Government reaffirmed that the urgent need to develop a low-carbon economy will remain a key issue in the years ahead, including the target to reduce central government carbon emissions by 10% within next 12 months and supporting an increase in the EU emission reduction target to 30% by 2020.The […]
Waterwise, the UK’s leading independent organisation on water efficiency and sustainable development, has just published its own White Paper, setting out proposals for the coalition government to help meet the challenges of climate change through wasting less water.Within the document, the important issues affecting the plumbing industry and all those who are now thinking of […]
Recent encouraging employment figures show that Britain is managing to hold the fragile recovery from recession. Coalition Government Budget concessions to private enterprise, although modest, are designed to help business start ups and SMEs to move forward, despite of cutbacks in other sectors.The prospects for those workers currently looking to move out of their current […]
From December 2010 the existing 6217 qualifications will be phased out and replaced with the new 6218 qualification.The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new government framework which sets out how all regulated vocational qualifications are structured, titled and quality assured.It is replacing the existing National Qualifications Framework across England, Wales and Northern Ireland […]
As the UK slowly climbs out of recession, yet facing a long period ahead of austerity cut backs, there is almost certainly a knock on effect to be felt across many industries and workplaces. Traditionally, those working in the utilities, such as electrical, plumbing and gas are often viewed as being immune to much of […]
Sometimes the thought of starting a new career can appear very daunting indeed! There’s always much to learn – and in the construction trade industry – practical skills to master too! Many trades have been transformed by new materials and technologies, making the work now involved much more simpler, streamlined and thus, you can accomplish […]
Recently the media has been focusing on an increasing number of ex-armed services personnel and their struggle to reintegrate into normal civilian life, even after many months, or even years have elapsed since leaving active duty. The problem has been highlighted because of the UK’s still fragile recovery from recession and the current severe government […]
