As a reminder to those new to the initiative, the programme is aimed at those working in the plumbing and heating sector who have completed technical certificate qualifications (e.g. City and Guilds 6129/City and Guilds 6128), but have not completed the appropriate NVQ – which is required to confirm their status within the industry. If this applies to you, or someone you know, then please download the flyer and application form which explain more about the initiative or contact us directly for more information on 0800 197 1060 or info@jib-pmes.org.uk

JIB-PMES flyer4 web
JIB_JTL Application form web v2

The scheme, which is run in conjunction with JTL, has enabled Tony to up-skill from a JIB-PMES Green Card holder (with a C&G 6129 technical certificate qualification) to an NVQ Level 2 qualified plumber and JIB-PMES 'Plumber' Blue card holder.

Commenting about his achievement Tony stated: "I recently received my blue JIB plumber's card after completing the NVQ level 2 Up-skill programme. During the past year whilst building up my NVQ portfolio I found the program and the assessor to be very helpful and accommodating. I would fully recommend the NVQ level 2 Up-skill programme to anyone who has done the C&G 6129 and are looking to gain the experience required to become a qualified plumber, for me personally this program was money well spent! I now have an NVQ level 2 which has enabled me to upgrade to a Blue Plumbers card".

For more information on the up-skilling programme and to check to see if you may be eligible please email the JIB-PMES at info@jib-pmes.org.uk

To support this and to help ensure that there are no restrictions or barriers that may affect the work placement, the JIB-PMES has developed a bespoke UK-PHMES CSCS Registration card specifically for learners who are accepted onto the Test Drive Talent programme. Angela Gridley, JIB-PMES General Manager, commented: "The JIB-PMES is pleased to be able to play a part in supporting this initiative, which we see as being beneficial to both learners and employers".

The application form for the Test Drive Talent Work Experience card can be downloaded here:
Download application form

If you are interested in getting involved as part of the Test Drive Talent programme please visit the following website for more information:
http://www.testdrivetalent.org.uk

UK-PHMES CSCS Work Experience (Test Drive Talent) Red Card

This card is accepted as identification during on-site training and will confirm that the holder is registered for a recognised course, and has either passed a Health & Safety Test or completed the appropriate NVQ/SVQ or NVQ Diploma Health & Safety units.

The Red Work Experience card is only available for trainees who are recommended for the SummitSkills ‘Test Drive Talent’ scheme by their college/training centre and who meet the eligibility criteria for that programme.

The purpose of the card is to allow the holder to access CSCS card controlled sites with their designated employer so that they may undertake work experience.

The card is NOT permitted to be used for access to a CSCS controlled work site for the purpose of completing paid work.

The card is valid for 12 months only and CANNOT be renewed.

If, as a result of the ‘Test Drive Talent’ work experience placement, the learner is offered a formal apprenticeship with an employer and enrols on the appropriate sector specific NVQ/NVQ Diploma qualification, the work experience card must be returned immediately and replaced with a JIB-PMES Apprentice/Trainee Red CSCS card. There may be a charge for this service.

Card issue & renewal rules | Health & Safety Test details | Card fee matrix | All cards

Download 'Test Drive Talent' Red application form

The changes follow feedback from employers and organisations (including the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force – CCATF) which has been received since the launch of the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers in April. When the grant was announced, only employers that had not taken on an apprentice for over three years were eligible to claim. Now an employer will be eligible providing they haven't employed an apprentice in the last 12 months.

Furthermore, the full amount of the training grant (£1,500) will now be paid to employers at the 13 week stage after the apprentice starts, instead of in installments. The Grant is also now available to businesses with up to 1,000 employees and the number of grants an employer can claim has increased from three to ten apprentices.

For more information and full eligibility criteria please click on the following link:
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk
/Employers.aspx
Or call the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) on 08000 150 600

JIB-PMES/JTL L2 Upskilling launch attendees

Speaking on behalf of the JIB-PMES, General Manager Angela Gridley announced: "The JIB-PMES are pleased to be working with JTL to deliver this scheme as both organisations have a long standing tradition of supporting training with a view to improving industry standards. We see this programme as being especially important as it is aimed at a group of people who have been failed by previous training schemes/qualifications – quite often at significant personal financial cost. This up-skilling programme will at least give them the opportunity to achieve the basic NVQ qualification required for formal recognition within the Plumbing Industry and will open up possible progression routes to NVQ Level 3."

Full details of how the scheme works and application details are available here: nvq-l2-up-skilling-opportunity

Sickness benefit is payable for up to 28 weeks.

To claim sickness benefit for an operative the employer should submit a fully completed ‘Sickness Benefit’ Claim Form together with a sickness certificate.

We can accept:

• Self Certification – first seven days only
• Doctor's certificate
• Hospital certificate

Payments are normally made fortnightly in advance, provided that we have sickness certificates to cover the payment period.

Sickness benefit is payable from the fourth day of illness, up to a maximum of 196 days. If the illness lasts for more than 28 days the benefit for the first three days is paid in arrears.

In order to be eligible for sickness benefit the employer must be purchasing either Holiday Credits or Holiday Stamps for the operative concerned, and their account with the JIB-PMES must be up to date. If stamps are purchased for the operative a photocopy of the stamp card should be submitted with the claim.

Joining the scheme

The Sickness Benefit Scheme is available to JIB-PMES participant companies. If you are interested in registering as a JIB-PMES participant company you can view and download an enrolment form here

It should be noted that from the time the form is completed and signed, it is taken that the company have agreed to comply with the all the requirements as laid down in the JIB-PMES NWR’s Handbook.

If you have any queries regarding the scheme, please contact the JIB-PMES directly on 01480 476925.

The JIB-PMES operates a centrally managed, Inland Revenue approved holiday credit scheme for the Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services industry.

The scheme is designed to deliver and fund the holiday pay entitlement required under the JIB-PMES National Working Rule Agreement, and also to comply with the requirements of the 1998 Working Time Regulations. The scheme is available to all employees in the industry, both hourly paid and salaried, site and office staff.

The scheme in operation is a 30 day Holiday Credit Scheme which covers the 8 Public Holiday days (Bank Holidays).

By joining the holiday credit scheme, employers also automatically access a range of free benefits including sickness benefit, accidental total disability benefit, insolvency protection scheme, loss of tool grant.

Joining the scheme

The Holiday Credit Scheme is available to JIB-PMES participant companies. If you are interested in registering as a JIB-PMES participant company you can view and download an enrolment form here

It should be noted that from the time the form is completed and signed, it is taken that the company have agreed to comply with the all the requirements as laid down in the JIB-PMES NWR’s Handbook.

If you have any queries regarding the scheme, please contact the JIB-PMES directly on 01480 476925.

JIB_JTL flyer web
JIB_JTL Application Form v2