City & Guilds champions skills for the future at the World Plumbing Conference

The World Plumbing Conference is a globally recognised event that brings together industry leaders, educators, and innovators to address the challenges and opportunities shaping plumbing and heating worldwide.

10 December 2025

World Plumbing Conference image

Taking place from 23–25 June 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, and hosted by the World Plumbing Council and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) , this globally significant event will focus on the theme “Worldwide Problems - Global Solutions”, addressing critical issues such as skills development, sustainability, and safeguarding public health.

City & Guilds is proud to be part of this global conversation, sharing our insight and expertise built on a long history of supporting skills development in this sector. In today’s evolving skills landscape, the plumbing and heating sector plays a critical role in building sustainable infrastructure and meeting growing demand. And we’re committed to working with industry members to play our part in empowering the next generation of professionals and driving progress across the industry.


City & Guilds at the World Plumbing Conference

We’re looking forward to engaging with attendees, partners, and stakeholders who share a commitment to raising standards and strengthening technical education. Our team will be available throughout the event to discuss the evolving skills landscape and changing needs of industry. 

A key highlight will be a panel discussion featuring City & Guilds Chief Customer Officer, Andy Moss. The discussion titled ‘Addressing the Global Skills Gap: Empowering Tomorrow’s Plumbing Workforce’ will examine:

  • The role of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) systems in supporting economic development
  • How robust apprenticeship models can create high quality entry routes into the profession
  • The need for internationally recognised qualification frameworks that give learners mobility and employers confidence
  • The urgency of addressing skills shortages in low- and middle-income regions.

It will also explore practical tools like the WorldSkills Occupational Standards platform, certification frameworks, mentoring, and digital learning solutions that scale globally.

Andy will be joined by leading voices from the sector including Gabrielle Mandell, Institute of Water and Lucy Mawer from University Academy Holbeach.


Why this matters now

The global shortage of qualified plumbers is impacting economies and communities worldwide. As some technicians retire and new technologies, such as heat pumps, water-efficient systems, and low-carbon heating solutions, gain ground, the need for well-trained, adaptable plumbers is more critical than ever. 

In England, the sector is also preparing for two new plumbing and heating standards at level 2 and level 3. These standards will ensure learners gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in a modern, sustainable industry.

City & Guilds is working closely with organisations like CIPHE to address these challenges and ensure the sector is ready for the future.


Join us at the World Plumbing Conference

For over 145 years we’ve been a trusted voice in skills development, and we remain dedicated to:

  • Shaping qualifications and standards
  • Supporting innovation and international collaboration
  • Providing ongoing guidance for educators and employers

By engaging in international collaboration and driving innovation in qualifications, we’re helping to build a workforce that’s ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

We invite all plumbing and heating professionals to join us at WPC 2026. Visit our stand to learn more about our qualifications, resources and support for the sector. And don’t miss Andy’s session to be part of the conversation shaping the future of plumbing and heating.

Find out more about our qualifications and apprenticeships for the plumbing sector