Plumbing Gasfitting & Drainlaying Programmes

In late 2021, the industry told us that the training model wasn’t working well and that apprentices were taking too long to complete their training. There was an increase in apprentices joining the industry, but the training capacity had remained the same. COVID-19 and the transition of the Skills Organisation as part of the reform of vocational education delayed block courses and increased the number of over-duration apprentices. These delays also had a flow-on effect on learners’ progress to the certifying level.

A Strategic Sector Reference Group was set up to review the training model comprehensively. The review found that the block course model was based only on assessment with little opportunity for teaching and learning.

The new training model will be based on these principles

• Apprentices will only be signed into the qualification linked to the work they are doing in the workplace.
• Practical units will have a defined level of performance that includes evidence from the workplace.
• Core competency focus, with additional subjects available as specialist training courses.
• Workplace assessment is implemented as a valid summative assessment method.
• Block course training moves from assessment only to include teaching and reinforcement through practical tasks.

Expected level of performance

• To be work-ready, apprentices must achieve a required level of competency, by completing tasks:
  • to current and relevant legislation, standards, and codes (including safety)
  • in an environmentally sustainable manner
  • within an acceptable timeframe
  • in the workplace
  • in different and unfamiliar contexts.
• The apprentice must also practise the trade in the workplace and meet PGD Board competencies.
• This must be verified by someone who holds a relevant, current licence and has had sufficient opportunity to observe the candidate’s performance.

Workplace assessment

• Workplace assessment is a new and key assessment method for PGD, with the concept trialled and proven as part of the project.
• It is based on naturally occurring evidence gathered in the workplace.
• The jobs are observed and the evidence is verified by the verifier.
• An assessor will make the final assessment decision based on the evidence supplied and sign off.
• In many cases, this evidence is already being collected.

• Complete approvals process for programme delivery from January 2025.
• Providers develop teaching and assessment resources.
• Providers will finalise and share the new delivery model’s design, including options for block courses, work-based learning, and work-based assessment.
• Continue to support apprentices in the current programmes.
• Look at how apprentices can be transitioned to the new programmes.
• Work with the sector to attract growth in the number of apprentices.
• Monitor and quality assure the new programmes to ensure they meet needs.