Two plumbers, David Keys from the Gold Coast and apprentice Sarah Condie from Brisbane, have been announced as the new Queensland plumbing ambassadors for 2018.

The announcement was made in front of over 300 attendees at the World Plumbing Day Breakfast which was hosted by Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ).

The whole purpose of the plumbing ambassadorship programs is to promote the trade across Queensland and urge future generations to think about it as a career path.

David Keys, a project manager for Obsidian Plumbing, was announced as the 2018 Queensland Plumbing Ambassador with 12 years experience leading teams within oil, gas and residential construction both in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

“My goal would be to change the mindset of the younger generation who want to become a qualified plumber and show them that we are not all just about unblocking toilets but that we can also make our way into the professional corporate world of business and technology,” says David.

Sarah Condie, who was appointed as the 2018 Queensland Apprentice Plumbing Ambassador, is currently completing her apprenticeship with Tradettes Plumbing. Sarah is in her third year of her apprenticeship and has shown her abilities as not only an apprentice, but also a leader to other females wanting to join any of the trade industries.

“In 2016 and 2017, MPAQ focused on encouraging females into the industry with the Female Plumbing Ambassadorship. Since then, we have expanded on this project and now want to focus on the industry as a whole, both male and female, ensuring the longevity of our industry,” says MPAQ executive director Penny Cornah.

“Both the Plumbing and Apprentice Plumbing Ambassador will focus on raising awareness to students about studying an apprenticeship and explaining where a trade can take them both professionally and personally.

“In their respective ambassador roles, David and Sarah represent the different stages of a career in plumbing and will share a diverse and valuable insight into the industry with future apprentices and the general public.”