Become an Approved Groundworker
There are two basic requirements to become an Approved Groundworker.
You must hold a recognised qualification that has been developed for the Groundworker sector in Water Regulations Knowledge.
You must hold the relevant minimum level of liability insurance.
Qualifications
Recognised External Services water regulations knowledge certificates
Water Regulations Knowledge certificates from the following organisations are recognised for External Services (Groundworker) sector membership.
Awarding organisation | Qualification title | Dates accepted | |
From | To | ||
BPEC | Groundwork, Service Pipe and Meter Housing Installation’ course sections 1-3 | 01/04/2020 | 31/03/2026 |
Water Regs UK | External Services Sector (Groundworkers) Water Regulations | 24/05/2022 | 30/04/2025 |
Hydro-X Training | HXT-W11 Groundworker Regulations Training | 07/05/2021 | 06/05/2027 |
Please note: If you hold the full Water Regulations Knowledge certificate (suitable for entry as an Approved Plumber) these are also recognised for sector membership - see Water Regulations Training (Plumbing Installer).
Historic awards
The following qualifications can be recognised provided they were issued within the dates detailed below.
Awarding organisation | Qualification title | Dates accepted | |
From | To | ||
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme | External Services Training & Assessment Certificate | - | 23/05/2023 |
Water Supplier issued certificates | External Services Training & Assessment Certificate | - | 31/03/2021 |
If you do not have a recognised certificate then the following providers may be able to offer training.
Providers of recognised External Services water regulations training
The following providers offer sector specific water regulations training.
Certification / Training providers
BPEC | Service Pipe and Meter Housing Training (sections 1-3) is provided through a number of centres. |
Water Regs UK | Contact WIAPS for scheduled training courses - Tel: 01495 98 30 10 email: wiaps@waterregsuk.co.uk |
HX Training | Contact: training@hydro-x.co.uk or 01909 666 708 www.hydro-x.co.uk/hx-training/groundworkers-water-regulations-training/ |
Affinity Water | External Supply Pipe Installation Training or 0345 359 5913 |
Northumbrian Water | Contact: regstraining@nwl.co.uk or 0333 3214956 www.nwl.co.uk/services/business/water-regulations/water-supply-installers-training/ |
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water | Contact: 01792 841572 email WaterRegulations@dwrcymru.com |
Alternatively, a certificate of Water Regulations Knowledge (suitable for entry as an Approved Plumber) that covers the all of the regulations is also be recognised - see Water Regulations Training (Plumbing Installers)
Insurance
For a company employing more than one person, the minimum required level of insurance required is £5m employer liability and £2m public liability. For sole traders, a minimum of £2m public liability insurance is required.
Scope
The scope of work which an approved Water Supply Pipe Installer can issue certificates of compliance includes work on installing, repairing or maintaining the supply pipe (the underground pipe),within the geographical boundaries of WIAPS.
It is limited to work on the pipe supplying premises from the external stop tap up to the point of entry of the pipe above floor level in a premises where an internal stop valve is normally installed. The work includes the installation of the internal stop tap (in any premises) and whole site protection on non-domestic premises.
Certified work is limited to those premises that are supplied or that are intended to be supplied by a water company or water supplier licensee.
Water Supply Pipe Installer are not approved to issue certificates of compliance for:
other water fittings or plumbing systems;
the water company communication pipe between the water company main and the customers supply pipe. E.g. upstream of the external stop tap;
excavations on the public highway;
the operation of or connection to a water undertakers’ outside stop valve;
work on waste pipes or drainage systems.
Membership Fees
An annual fee of £78 plus VAT will be introduced from 1st April 2024 for any business that has sector members.
Sector members include: external services installers, sometimes called Water Supply Pipe Installers or groundworkers, Catering installers, Point of use installers and RPZ valve testers.
The £78 plus VAT fee will be the same for all businesses, regardless of the number of approved individuals.
Application
If you meet the above requirements, or to enquire further about training, please contact WIAPS on 0333 207 9030 option 1.
You can download an application form click here.