Scrappage Scheme Could Generate Plumbing Jobs

The popularity of plumbing courses could rocket after the Scottish government launched its boiler scrappage scheme.

Households with boilers which convert less than 70 per cent of fuel into heat will qualify for the scheme and may get cashback towards a new energy saving model.

The Scottish government predicts that up to 5,000 households will be eligible for the 400 grant towards the cost of a new boiler, which could lead to more requests for plumbing courses as extra plumbers may be needed to cope with the demand.

Alex Neil, the Housing and Communities Minister, has argued that the new programme would help regenerate interest in plumbing jobs.

He said: "It is essential that homeowners are given every opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient if Scotland is to play its part in tackling the climate change."

"At the same time we are providing an economic stimulus for the heating industry, supporting jobs and helping it get through this financially difficult time."

Mr Neil was backed by Robert Burgon, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation Director, who agreed that the new scheme will boost the plumbing industry by creating more jobs.

He said: "Through the boiler scrappage scheme we will help people replace rickety old boilers for new energy saving models and importantly, put money back in the pockets of householders."

"Like many other industries the plumbing and heating sector has been badly hit by the recession and the scheme will prove a boost to many of our businesses."

People interested in taking plumbing courses should act fast as Scottish households will be able to apply for the scheme through the Scottish Government's Energy Saving Scotland advice network from May 24th.

The scheme will operate on a first come, first served basis and will last until all the funds have been allocated.

The boiler scrappage scheme has been welcomed by WWF Scotland because the organisation calculated that home energy use accounts for nearly one-third of Scotland's carbon emissions.

The Scottish government estimates that replacing 5,000 boilers will save around 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year - the equivalent to taking 1,700 cars off roads, heating the water for 7 million baths or heating 1,300 homes for a year.

England's boiler scrappage scheme, which was well received by the plumbing industry and customers, was introduced last year by the Labour government and ended on March 26th.

by: Martin Hofschroer

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