The NSW Government’s renewed focus on supervision standards in the plumbing industry has been embraced by the Master Plumbers Association of NSW (MPA NSW).

MPA NSW chief executive Nathaniel Smith says that the standards are paving the way forward to a safer industry.

“Stronger supervision standards are not only a positive for our industry but also a vital measure to safeguard the health and safety of our community,” he says.

“We are committed to ensuring that our apprentices receive the guidance and training they need to succeed.”

Group training organisations (GTOs) and Master Plumbers Apprentices Limited (MPAL) employ apprentices and ensure they are placed with host trainers and field officers to ensure adequate supervision and compliance with SafeWork NSW standards.

Industry data shows that apprentices placed through a GTO have an 80% completion rate compared to 50% of apprentices that are directly employed.

“The statistics speak volumes,” Nathaniel says .

“Investing in proper training and supervision not only enhances the competency of our future tradies but also reinforces the integrity of our industry as a whole.”

MPA has urged all licensed plumbers and businesses to take this opportunity to review their supervision practices and invest in proper training.