Salamander primes pump
Salamander Pumps is going nationwide to boost the industry’s future.
With a recent survey confirming a shortage of skilled workers, alongside poor training opportunities, are the most pressing concerns among installers, the Sunderland firm is working with colleges across the country, aiming to help tackle the problem.
Over the last year, Training Manager Ken Vance has visited more than 20 colleges from Devon to Scotland, to provide hands-on training to budding installers, with plenty more visits in the pipeline.
Most recently, Ken attended New Durham College to offer practical advice to the students on how to install one of Salamander’s shower pumps.
Presented with a traditional gravity-fed system, which had been set up at the college, the students were taken through every step of installing a shower pump – from the necessary pre-install checks, right through to the soldering. Most importantly, the students were taught all the best-practice tips from Ken to ensure smooth installations and a long life for the pump.
As well as attending colleges for practical training sessions, Salamander has also teamed up with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering to create 3D animated courses, which will be available to members and allow them to complete training anywhere, anytime.
“At Salamander, we understand how vital it is to provide training to the next generation of plumbers, and help combat the skills shortage facing the industry,” said Ken.
“As well as providing training courses at colleges across the country, we’re also investing in our team, providing apprenticeship opportunities and even helping members of our technical team to complete their own plumbing qualifications.”
Harry Teasdale, Curriculum Leader, Plumbing, at New College Durham, said: “Salamander Pumps have been an excellent support over the last 12 months, providing educational and informative seminars as well as providing the necessary infrastructure to allow students to get that essential hands-on experience.”