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76

PLUMBING CONNECTION

SPRING 2015

A

new training model for obtaining a Certificate III in

Plumbing has been developed by the Master Plumbers

and Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW.

While the three year cadetship has been criticised by

some as destroying the four year apprenticeship, on closer

inspection this intensive training scheme is by no means the

‘easy road’ and looks set to produce some pretty impressive

results.

As of August, the Master Plumbers College of Excellence

is home to the Cadetship in Plumbing Engineering. The

program turns the traditional four year apprenticeship

model on its head with an intensive 18 months of initial

institutional training followed by 18 months of paid on-the-

job training.

“We had been looking at the process of training and

assessment since we became a full trade training provider.

We weren’t seeing quality outcomes from the current

methodology in our state, so we decided to change the

model to improve the outcome.

“In September last year we travelled to Europe to have a

look at the assessment processes there which, to a certain

extent, was the impetus for this model. The key to this model

is that when a student completes the institutional delivery

they are guaranteed a job in the apprenticeship scheme,”

says general manager Master Plumbers Association NSW

Paul Naylor.

The cadetship will deliver five streams of Certificate

III in Plumbing, adding roof plumbing to the four streams

offered by TAFE. Prospective cadets will undergo a rigorous,

multi-stage selection process before being signed up

to the program. This includes aptitude testing, Harrison

Assessments (a pre-hire assessment toolkit), a practical

orientation to plumbing and multiple interviews with both

the cadet and their parents.

“Group training companies have similar recruiting

processes but I don’t think they’re as exhaustive as ours

– we’ve actually increased the extent of the testing that

these kids will go through. Because they’re going to come to

APPRENTICESHIPS

ENGINEERING CHANGE

THE CADETSHIP IN PLUMBING ENGINEERING KNOCKS A YEAR OFF THE TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP, BUT WHAT

IT LACKS IN DURATION, IT MAKES UP FOR IN INTENSITY.

JACOB HARRIS

EXPLAINS.