Research finds modern pipework training must be addressed

Sept. 20, 2007 -- The specification of plastic pipework could significantly increase if more fitters are trained in using innovative materials. This needs to be addressed if modern pipework systems are to be trusted by contractors and consultants and considered on a parallel with traditional pipework.

Extensive research undertaken by B2B International, on behalf of Durapipe UK, has revealed that the lack of skilled fitters is a major concern for contractors. The contractors questioned stated that most of the fitters they deal with do not receive training on plastics and modern materials when in college and so it falls to the contractor to undertake this. This not only takes valuable time, but in the majority of cases the contractors also have to bear the cost, which could be significantly reduced if contractors seek assistance from manufacturers. Contractors using plastic systems benefit from working with the experienced companies, who offer a range of training initiatives from on-site training to telephone assistance.

Contractors are also finding that if they turn to experienced fitters that have been trained in steel and copper, they are less likely to want to learn about plastic due to not wanting to step out of their comfort zone. However, Durapipe UK is stressing that once experienced fitters try plastics and begin to realize the advantages of these materials, they rarely go back to steel or copper.

Durapipe UK is urging the industry to acknowledge this issue and put the training of fitters in plastic pipework on the agenda to ensure contractors are able to use their preferred material choice. In addition, contractors need to realize that the responsibility of training fitters doesn't just lie with them and they should be utilizing the support offered by manufacturers to help with this.

Durapipe UK is constantly listening to its customers and undertaking market research to ensure it is aware of all current issues. To directly support the concerns contractors have regarding training, Durapipe UK offers a wide range of options depending on the customer's requirements and can provide training at the company's training centre at its Cannock headquarters, on-site before a job starts or at a convenient location for the customer. The plastic pipe manufacturer also has a dedicated telephone technical support team that is on hand throughout the duration of the project to offer help and advice.

Martyn Rowlands, Head of Marketing for Durapipe UK commented: "The industry needs to be listening to the contractors when it comes to training fitters. More and more contractors are considering plastic pipework systems due to the benefits in terms of offering significant savings on installation time and costs. Contractors that are new to plastics need to ensure they are taking advantage of the various methods of training and assistance that manufacturers offer and they will very rapidly be experiencing the benefits of plastics over traditional systems."

"To ensure plastic pipework products can fully compete with traditional systems, everyone involved in the plastic pipework market from manufacturers to suppliers needs to be supporting contractors as much as they can in terms of training and encourage other bodies within the industry, such as colleges, to put training of modern materials on the agenda. As a manufacturer we have a role in advising training establishments and colleges about our new and innovative products because it is important that new people coming into the industry are trained on the materials and systems now being used in the market place. "

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