ASSOCIATION NEWS
working hard to address the issues and that everything should be up to speed soon. We hope that they are right. While we wish them luck with the new venture, we need to ensure that any changes or upgrades are implemented for the benefit of the registered installers and for the safety of householders. Following the success of the well- attended webinars over the past few weeks, we intend to continue both online training and information evenings on a regular basis. Watch out for details on Facebook. If you have a particular topic that you would like covered, please let us know. The APHCI Team. “We need to ensure that any changes or upgrades are implemented for the benefit of the registered installers and for the safety of householders.”
Ireland) employ the trainees and recruit them through the Central Applications Office (CAO) or a similar system, giving the trades wider appeal and improved accessibility? The employers could then register with SOLAS and receive apprentices for blocks of work experience. The duration would depend on the variety of work available, and the employer would pay the apprentices in the normal way. Currently, apprentices receive good all-round training to QQI level 6, which is of a higher standard than many other countries. Despite the pressure to do so, the ever-increasing complexity and regulation of our trades make it essential that training and qualification should not be diluted in any way. Those who are looking for an increase in pay or allowance may not be aware that all payments to apprentices are considered training allowances rather than pay and are based on a long- standing formula as a percentage of the craft rate. The argument that the first-year allowance is below the minimum wage
is fair on its own, but maybe not when taking into consideration that, if the career path takes the apprentice to college, in general, there are no allowances available either, and they must also think of the large course fees. SHAKY START FOR SEI In the gas industry, things are still up in the air. The new RGII scheme provider SEI, a division of SGS, has got off to a very shaky start, creating huge unease and unrest among gas installers. There have been difficulties in all areas of interaction with the new company, not least in making contact by phone or email and obtaining certificates. The fact there is an uplift in all costs and fees certainly did not improve the mood of the members. The operation of the scheme has changed from a “not for profit model” to a “for profit” one this time, and it remains to be seen how this will pan out over the next few years. Many of the staff previously employed by RGII have transferred to the new company, and they tell us that they are
For further information, contact Richie Burke at M: +353 (0)86 327 9112 www.aphci.ie
FOLLOW US ON:
www.plumbingmag.com
PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 51
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online