Employment in the plumbing and heating sector is expected to increase. There are skill shortages currently for fully qualified plumbers. Sector information

The highest additional employment requirement is expected in the South East. Current and anticipated skill shortages in plumbing and heating have been identified across all regions, mainly in the East Midlands and in the Eastern regions.  Regional dimension

Main occupational roles can be distinguished in plumbing, gas installation and maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, plus heating and ventilation.  Occupations

The sector employs almost no women and very few people from ethnic minority groups. It also suffers from an ageing population. Equal opportunities

Almost all employees are qualified to at least NVQ level 2. Various barriers to education and training exist, such as the microstructure of many businesses. Education and training

Images 1 and 3: www.freeimages.co.uk

Sector information

This contains an overview of the sector as a whole, details future trends in employment together with skill gaps and workforce development issues.

Data and charts

Links to the charts contained within this sector are listed together with links to data and charts from Skills in England (2003) and Working Futures (2004).

Regional / national dimension

Information on regional trends and differences.

Occupations

Information and trends on sectoral occupations.

Equal opportunities

Key information on equal opportunity issues specific to the sector.

Education and training

Education and training information and issues including work-based learning, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and further and higher education courses.

Research

A list of recent research publications which is intended to be a starting for those wishing for more detail on the sector.

Discussion points

Thought-provoking and challenging questions to start discussions.

Sector summary: plumbing and heating

This summary gives a brief overview of the key trends in the sector.

Links and sources

This contains direct links to all the materials used to compile this sector. More in-depth and detailed information can be found in the source materials as only key points have been extracted. In addition, websites and further sources which may be of interest have been included.