Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation

SNIPEF has over 770 member companies employing over 5,155 operatives. Choosing a plumbing or heating firm that is a SNIPEF member gives you peace of mind and the confidence that you've chosen a reputable contractor who has the right skills and qualifications for the job.

By choosing a career in plumbing, you are setting yourself up for a varied and interesting career, with opportunities available both on and off the tools. The only industry recognised route for a plumbing apprenticeship in Scotland is the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Plumbing and Heating. A plumbing apprenticeship provides the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification while being paid. Over the course of your four-year apprenticeship, you will work to achieve the SVQ Level 3 in MES Domestic Plumbing through a mix of real-life learning with your employer and training in your college or training centre.

The process takes approximately two weeks dependent on receiving all the required information to meet the membership criteria. The costs are 50 application fee, 412 annual subscription and 82 per capita levy for all time served plumbers and gas engineers you employ (directors, owners, partners etc and apprentices are non-chargeable), all prices + VAT. You can pay the annual subscription all at once or by Direct Debit at no extra cost over 12 months. Your membership fee is tax deductible as a bona fide business expense and represents exceptional value.