After a COVID related hiatus, face-to-face award ceremonies are back. With all the pomp and formality expected of such auspicious occasions, the Livery Companies Skill Council (LCSC) invited the Lord Mayor of London to present Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Certificates on Monday 14th March. Held at the Mansion House, London, four members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) stood up to receive their awards.
Benjamin Bayliss IEng MCIPHE RP and Christopher Flaherty EngTech LCGI MCIPHE RP were awarded Master Plumber Certificates, with Dennis Coates EngTech MCIPHE RP presented with a Journeyman Plumber Certificate. Ryan Moore ACIPHE RP accepted an Apprentice Plumber Certificate. The awards were presented by The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Vincent Keaveny.
The Master Plumber Certificate is a prestigious award, only attained by the highest skilled members of the plumbing and heating industry, with the Journeyman and Apprentice certificates marking important milestones upon the pathway to mastery. First introduced in 2001 through a partnership between City & Guilds, the Worshipful Company of Plumbers and the CIPHE, the scheme has grown to include a wide range of London Livery Companies and Professional Bodies. This year’s event was coordinated by the LCSC and saw Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Awards presented to over 48 representatives of trades, ranging from Furniture Makers to Merchant Taylors, and Constructors to Joiners & Ceilers.
The ceremony itself recalls the full history of the trades and recognises each Award recipient for their craft, by which they must accept a ‘Charge’. The charge accepted by Benjamin, Christopher, Dennis and Ryan was read out on the day by Nick Jones, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.
Kevin Wellman, CEO CIPHE was on hand to congratulate the newly designated Master Plumbers, “It’s always a real pleasure to see our members achieve Master Plumber status and be recognised as elite representatives of the trade. Benjamin and Christopher have worked incredibly hard throughout their careers and are the embodiment of what it means to be a Master Plumber. They not only possess the knowledge and skill demanded at that level, but are dedicated to the industry, professional development and nurturing the next generation of engineers.”
“Equally important is the journey to Master Plumber status. To see Dennis achieve the Journeyman Plumber Certificate, shows a dedication to lifelong learning, career development and professionalism. Ryan’s achievement in gaining the Apprentice Plumber Certificate makes him stand out against his peers, as a dedicated learner of his trade. Both Dennis and Ryan are on the pathway to mastery, and there’s no doubt we’ll see great things from them both to come.”
The CIPHE offers Certificates at Master, Journeyman and Apprentice levels. To find out more information about the plumbing awards, please contact the Membership Department on 01708 463116, email membership@ciphe.org.uk or visit the CIPHE website at www.ciphe.org.uk
MASTER PLUMBER CERTIFICATES
Benjamin Bayliss IEng MCIPHE RP
After obtaining his NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering Services – Plumbing, Benjamin’s career went from being a plumbing lecturer at K College to assessor, tutor and lead IQA and Advanced Skills AP at ProCat College. He is now employed as a forensic engineer and undertakes investigations for solicitors, insurers, loss adjusters and private clients with respect to escapes of water, oil and gas.
Benjamin was involved with designing the new apprenticeship framework with City & Guilds and the impact of T Levels. Following his enrolment into CIPHE membership in 2019, he successfully obtained Incorporated Engineer registration with the Engineering Council.
Christopher Flaherty EngTech LCGI MCIPHE RP
Christopher has over 40 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry and obtained his Craft certificate at the Vauxhall College of Building & Further Education. Whilst being self employed he worked on high class properties in the City of London then, following a move to Kent, he aimed for the self-build market. He now installs plumbing and heating systems on large build house boats for a boat builder in Chatham Historic Docks.
Christopher won the H&V News Domestic Heating Installer of the Year 2 years in a row. He obtained his Licentiateship with City & Guilds in 2004.
JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER CERTIFICATE
Dennis Coates EngTech MCIPHE RP
Dennis commenced his career in plumbing at the age of 16, attending college to attain his qualifications. He worked voluntarily as a plumber and achieved his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in the Skills Section. He is employed as an Engineer within a hospital and has achieved Authorised/ Responsible Person status in several disciplines.
Dennis recently received the British Citizen Award Special Recognition Certificate. He is looking at completing a water risk assessment course and a Level 4 HNC before commencing a degree in Engineering.
APPRENTICE PLUMBER CERTIFICATE
Ryan Moore ACIPHE RP
Ryan has obtained his NVQ Level 2 and is currently studying for his Level 3. In 2016 he was employed by Sodexo as an apprentice plumber in a hospital. He has since obtained his Unvented Hot Water G3 Certificate.
Once Ryan has obtained his NVQ Level 3 his aim is to upgrade his membership with the CIPHE, obtain professional registration with the Engineering Council and apply for his Journeyman Certificate.