AUDIO NEWS: 58% of plumbers complete heat pump training and 5,200 tool theft incidents in Hertfordshire

Nearly 60% of plumbers have completed heat pump training, over 5,200 incidents reported in Hertfordshire and AK Scaffolding head to Las Vegas for competition

Nearly 60% of plumbers have already trained in heat pumps, claims research from City Plumbing.

An additional 34% said they planned to complete heat pump training in the next year.

Despite the positive figures some barriers remain to upskilling in renewable tech, including the cost of training, a lack of time and availability of courses in the local area.

A fifth of respondents said they haven’t bothered to train in heat pumps because they’re retiring soon.

Hemal Morjaria, manager director, heating and renewables at City Plumbing said: “Our research shows clear progress on heat pump training.”

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More than 5,200 tool theft incidents have been reported in Hertfordshire since 2020 — that’s according to research from Travis Perkins.

The data shows that tool theft peaked in 2023 with over 1,100 offences reported. Over 450 incidents have been reported in the county this year.

Despite the high number of incidents, 92% of cases ended with no suspects being identified and Just 100 charges were brought over the five-year period.

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AK Scaffolding is set to represent the UK at the 2026 Scaffold Builders’ Competition in Las Vegas.

The event, taking place at the World of Concrete Expo will see the UK team build and dismantle complex scaffolding structures within strict time limits.

AK Scaffolding, led by Aaron King, competed in ScaffChamp in Lithuania earlier this year.

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