Home study specialists Train4Trade Skills have launched a 'blended' learning plumbing course in Scotland, enabling would-be plumbers to study Scottish plumbing qualifications at their own pace.

The new learning course is specifically for participants of any age or gender to enable them to study Scottish plumbing qualifications at home or at work, in their own time, at their own pace, and has been launched by Train4Trade Skills, who specialise in distance-learning courses for practical trades.

The course, which combines a blend of practical workshop tuition and theory, also includes the opportunity to practice plumbing skills in a PC-based virtual reality house, which was specifically developed and designed for the plumbing course.


The virtual reality exercises use the latest computer games technology and graphics to endorse the students' knowledge and enables them to work through revision and review sessions in a safe, computer-based environment.

Plumbing students also take part in residential courses and receive regular tutorial support while studying at home or at work.

Marketing Manager, Mike Head, said:"There is a worldwide shortage of skilled trades people and in future the jobs market will be favouring those who have a transportable skill.

"The virtual reality training is revolutionary, because it enables would-be plumbers to train without getting under the feet of a jobbing plumber. It also allows mistakes to be made without risk or expense to the student or a customer.

"Students learn very quickly through this method as many are familiar with the games technology, which is engaging and memorable."

(GK)