In June 2025, the Bathroom Association’s Future of Water Theatre at InstallerSHOW hosted a powerful and inspiring Careers Masterclass — a session designed to show precisely why skilled trades are the backbone of our industry, and how today’s apprentices can become tomorrow’s business leaders.
The panel brought together three remarkable voices:
- Kevin Wellman – CEO, Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
- Mark Conacher – Managing Director, Senstec USA
- James Cannon – Partnerships Lead, Simpro Group
Through their own journeys, from apprenticeships to international business success, they offered hard-earned wisdom, candid reflections, and a vision for the future of plumbing, heating, and bathroom installation.
One of the most compelling themes was the transition from being “on the tools” to leading teams and running businesses. Each speaker shared how early career decisions, openness to learning, and seizing unexpected opportunities shaped their path.
Mentorship, upskilling, and lifelong learning
The panel underscored the transformative power of mentorship. For many in the room, it was a wake-up call that career growth is not a straight line — it’s a journey built on connections, continuous learning, and a willingness to step out of comfort zones.
The need for structured upskilling programmes, ensuring that even established installers keep pace with technological advances, sustainability requirements, and changing customer expectations, was discussed. In a sector where water efficiency, smart technology, and regulatory compliance are evolving quickly, staying still is not an option.
Breaking the stigma around trade careers
Despite offering excellent earning potential, job security, and diverse career routes, skilled trades still face an outdated stigma. The speakers tackled this head-on, calling for a shift in how schools, parents, and policymakers present trade careers.
Plumbing, heating, and bathroom installation are not fallback options — they are pathways to respected, well-paid, and future-proof professions. By telling authentic success stories, the industry can inspire young people who might never have considered the sector.
Reforming apprenticeships to support SMEs
The panellists addressed the structural challenges of the current apprenticeship model, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Reform, they argued, must ensure that SMEs, which train the majority of apprentices, receive the right financial, administrative, and mentoring support to invest in new talent.
The panel urged policymakers to collaborate closely with industry bodies to design training systems that align with real-world needs, ensuring the next generation of installers is prepared to meet both technical and environmental demands.
Why this matters for the bathroom industry
The bathroom sector is at the intersection of design innovation, sustainability, and technical precision. Without a skilled workforce, from entry-level apprentices to experienced engineers, we cannot meet the demands of modern customers or achieve environmental targets.
Sessions like the Careers Masterclass are vital in:
- Inspiring the next generation to see the bathroom industry as a career destination, not a stepping stone.
- Equipping existing installers with the leadership and business skills to grow their companies.
- Strengthening the professional identity of plumbing and bathroom installation as high-skill, high-value careers.
If you missed the live discussion, you can watch the full recording of the Careers Masterclass now. It’s a must-see for:
- Apprentices considering their next career steps.
- Business owners looking to grow their leadership team.
- Anyone passionate about raising professional standards in our industry.
Watch the Careers Masterclass Recording