New SNIPEF president calls for apprenticeship reform: Plumbing and heating sector faces skills challenge

By Danny BallPublished On: June 8th, 2026Categories: Top Stories

SNIPEF has appointed Steve Craig as its 102nd President, with apprenticeship reform, skills development and greater member engagement set to be key priorities during his term.

Craig takes up the role as the plumbing and heating sector continues to face recruitment and training challenges, alongside increasing demand for skilled workers to support housing delivery and the transition to low-carbon heating technologies.

With more than 45 years of industry experience, Craig has highlighted the need to strengthen apprenticeship recruitment, retention and funding support for employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses responsible for training much of the future workforce.

Commenting on his appointment, Steve Craig said: “Becoming SNIPEF President is a tremendous honour and a very humbling experience. I see it as an opportunity to give something back to a profession that has given me my livelihood.

“I am eager to help steer SNIPEF forward for the benefit of our members and the wider profession. I want to be present and accessible, listening to as many members as possible, understanding the challenges they face and ensuring SNIPEF continues to provide the support our profession needs.”

Craig began his career as an apprentice plumber in Dundee in 1979 before co-founding APS Dundee Ltd in 2012. His involvement with SNIPEF developed through the Dundee and District Plumbing Employers Association before progressing through a number of leadership roles within the federation.

SME employers face growing training pressures

A central theme of Craig’s presidency will be increasing member participation across the organisation while ensuring employers have the support needed to continue investing in apprenticeships.

He said: “SNIPEF can only grow and move forward with the active involvement of its members. They are the voice, experience and strength behind our organisation.

“I want to see more members engage with us, work with us and help shape the future of the organisation. The stronger and more engaged our membership is, the stronger our voice becomes when representing the profession and influencing positive change.”

Addressing apprenticeship challenges, Craig added: “I am acutely aware of the pressures facing employers who continue to invest in training the next generation. While cost is undoubtedly a major factor, the challenges are far more complex than that alone.

“Many of our members are small and medium-sized businesses carrying significant responsibility when it comes to apprenticeship recruitment and training. We need to ensure they have the confidence, support and resources required to continue investing in the workforce of the future.

“SNIPEF has already undertaken extensive research to better understand these challenges and has been engaging closely with government on apprenticeship funding reform. I look forward to playing an active role in helping drive that work forward during my presidency.”

Net zero transition increases demand for skilled workforce

Craig also stressed the importance of maintaining close engagement with government as the construction and building services sectors adapt to changing housing and decarbonisation policies.

He said: “The plumbing and heating profession plays a vital role in delivering safe, efficient buildings and supporting the transition to low-carbon technologies. Government ambitions around housing, skills and net zero cannot be achieved without a skilled and supported workforce.

“We must continue to ensure our profession remains visible, that our members’ voices are heard and that policymakers fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

“By working together, engaging with our members and continuing to strengthen SNIPEF’s voice, we can help secure a positive future for the profession and the generations that follow.”

Craig was appointed President at SNIPEF’s AGM in Dundee and will serve a one-year term through to June 2027. His presidency comes as the wider construction sector continues to focus on tackling long-term skills shortages and building the workforce needed to meet future housing and net zero targets.