New forms of heat pumps and hydrogen heating are urgently needed to meet the 2050 zero carbon targets. Recent reports state that the country will not achieve its emission targets while continuing to use natural gas namely a fossil fuel for heating. A third of the countries greenhouse emissions emanate from central heating, Fuel cells… Read more »

I would like to return to the topic of modular/off-site construction as it could impact significantly on the profession as will the introduction of artificial intelligence and robots both could create a revolution in the way plumbers operate. Interest is growing in this development as the advantages are being highlighted with a number of large… Read more »

I want to return to the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the possible consequences on the plumbing profession. Commentators continue to offer their ideas on the impact of AI and the introduction of robots. Their views span a wide spectrum ranging from significant to less significant consequences. It is a fascinating but complex topic… Read more »

Questions continue to be raised about the teaching and learning of mathematics in schools and colleges and the levels of participation in the subject post-16. Questions continue to arise about its purpose and centrality in the schools national curriculum and the introduction of functional mathematics in vocational awards. In addition, concerns are being raised about… Read more »

This piece provides more detail about the CIPHE CPD charter and complements the previous article on this website which focussed on the concept of CPD. The CIPHE charter is a welcomed initiative as the Institute is an influential professional body and has provided an excellent example to the other professional’s bodies on this strategically important… Read more »

Introduction Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is even more important now as the country begins to tackle its skills gaps and shortages and the continuing low levels of productivity in manufacturing and industrial activity. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has recently published a timely and excellent charter on CPD.  The CIPHE have… Read more »

The government has announced a new Industrial Strategy to bolster the country’s manufacturing, engineering and technology (MET sector) and a reconfigured technical education system). The key elements of the proposed technical education system include: ü  Simplifying the range of technical and vocational qualifications currently on offer ü  Creating an easier means of finding and applying… Read more »

The Fourth Industrial Revolution?           (This piece builds on the earlier article the ‘Future of the Economy and the World of Work’ (FEWW). The world is rapidly moving into the Fourth Industrial Revolution also called ‘Industry Four Point Zero (Industry 4.0). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT)’. The introduction of robotics, automation, digital transfer… Read more »

  A definition of micro and SMEs. Micros and SMEs defined as follows – micros: 1-9 employees, Small: 10-49 employees and Medium: 50-249 employees. I include sole operators in the definition of micros. The key to prosperity. The importance of micro and SMEs cannot be over emphasised. They are central to the country’s economy and… Read more »

  A Personal View. Writing about the future is always a challenge especially when the topic is about the economy and work so inevitably this article will raise more questions than answers  – this is my attempt.  Many of the issues are complex and multidimensional but must be addressed by governments and society.  Both are… Read more »