Blog

Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland in Plumbing & Heating

2nd September 2025

Introduction

• Given the severe skills shortage in our industry (and the construction industry as a whole), we at Limitless Heating are absolutely committed to investing in the training and development of young people within our business and the plumbing and heating industry as a whole.

• For young people who show a passion (or any sort of interest), it is important that they are given the opportunities, access to information and support to help them navigate what can sometimes be a daunting and confusing path to become a trade professional within the plumbing and heating industry.

• Below is a summary and a some clear, straightforward information about the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating. Hopefully this raises interest and inspires you towards a lifetime career in a rewarding, exciting and ever developing industry.

Training Providers & Framework

• The modern apprenticeship is the only industry‑recognized route for becoming a qualified plumbing and heating engineer in Scotland.

• The scheme is employer-led, combining on‑the‑job training with off‑the‑job learning delivered by colleges or training centres.

• The SNIPEF Training Services manage the programme—they coordinate college placements, handle admin, funding, and support both apprentices and employers.

Key Requirements

• Apprentices must be employed by a plumbing and heating business.

• You must pass the BPEC aptitude & selection test.

• A candidate typically needs four National 4 qualifications.

Typical Duration & Pathway

• Training spans four years:

  • 1 Year of continuous employment.

  • 3 Years of a Combination of college training and workplace experience.

Recognition & Career Path

• The training results in:

  • SQA‑awarded SVQ Level 3 (SCQF 7) - this is the benchmark credential for domestic plumbing and heating.

  • A Modern Apprenticeship Certificate.

  • Final grading as a fully qualified plumber by the Scottish & Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board (SNIJIB).

Visibility & Employer Support

• SNIPEF actively supports employer engagement:

  • They help find training placements, manage funding, and assign Regional Training Officers to support apprenticeship journeys.

• Employers benefit from a structured framework and apprenticeship system, providing trained technicians ready for the trade.

Other information

• A prestigious Apprentice of the Year competition is run annually. This is powered by SNIPEF and celebrates the top-performing plumbing apprentices, giving you a chance to shine.

• On Completion you are positioned as a professional and employable plumber and heating engineer within the industry.

• Completion of an apprenticeship makes you highly employable and gives you access to a high paying and stable profession.

APPLYING FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP WITH LIMITLESS HEATING

If you are interested in applying for our yearly apprenticeship intake, please email a cv to allan@limitlessheating.co.uk.

**note 2025 applications are now closed, but please don’t wait to send your details in. They will be kept on file until the next in take.

Acknowledgement: Some information in this blog was sourced from SNIPEF. snipef.org/apprenticeships