A new level 3 Apprenticeship standard for Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technicians has been launched this month as part of the government's Trailblazer programme.

The standard, developed by plumbing employers and led by Seddon Construction Ltd, has been designed to more effectively meet the needs of the industry and includes a number of improvements that will benefit both the learner and their employer.

In addition to strengthening the Maths and English requirement, grading will be introduced to encourage apprentices to strive for excellence. A clear link to Engineering Technician status has also been incorporated to improve and encourage greater professional registration across the industry.

'Trailblazer' apprenticeships have seen groups of employers across the whole of UK industry join together to design standards that develop the skills of their current and future workforce. The Plumbing Trailblazer standard was one of 56 launched this month, taking the total number of approved standards to over 120.

Seddon Construction led a group of employers including Andrew Crookes Plumbing & Heating; Arthur Padgett Ltd; Coulson Building Group; EC Merrett; Gasway; Leaks and Locks; Millside Heating Services.; Mitie and Parker Bromley in forming the new plumbing standard and gathered extensive views via an industry-wide consultation process.

"The consultation revealed that the industry was very supportive of an enhanced standard at level 3, which is considered to represent full competence for plumbing and domestic heating," said Robert Moss of Seddon. "This is a great opportunity for the industry to improve the quality of our workforce and I thank all the employers who have contributed to shaping the new standard."

In addition to the employer group leading the Trailblazer, a stakeholder group comprising SummitSkills, APHC, CIPHE, BPEC, Unite, JTL, City & Guilds, EAL and Logic supported the employers and provided technical guidance.

An assessment plan for the apprenticeship, along with underpinning qualifications, will now be developed in preparation for apprentices to enroll on the new standard from September 2016.

For more information on the Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician standard visit www.summitskills.org.uk/apprenticeships.