Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) has announced the 2019 Queensland plumbing ambassadors. The announcement was made to over 340 attendees at the World Plumbing Day industry breakfast at Sofitel Brisbane, and included one licensed plumber and two plumbing apprentices.

World Plumbing Day is designed to spread awareness of the importance of plumbing and plumbers in the protection of public health. It also aims to celebrate the important work plumbers have done to improve the world. The event provides a platform for announcing the 2019 ambassadors, who will be promoting the importance of the plumbing trade to school students and career-seekers across the state.

PI Hydraulics Pty Ltd owner Daniel McClinton was announced as one of the 2019 ambassadors. Daniel has been a part of the plumbing and gas industry for 15 years and started his own business in recent years. His qualifications include plumber, gasfitter, and metal fabricator. Daniel says, “I applied for this position as it is a great opportunity to give back to the industry and teach the younger generation. It will also allow me to improve my confidence, speaking skills and self-development, while also making a difference in the industry.”

Two apprentices were also named as ambassadors by MPAQ this year. These were Natalie Christian from JRW Gas and Plumbing, and Patrick Wright from Christopher Contracting Plumbing and Drainage Pty Ltd (CC P & D).

Set to start the second year of her apprenticeship in May, Natalie has been working in the industry intermittently for around 21 years. Natalie has completed all of her practical experience in the company she owns with her husband. Over the years, she has gained valuable experience in the day-to-day running of a business, such as dealing with customers and employees and learning within a tool-based environment. This offers Natalie a unique perspective as an ambassador, with the experience of running a business and now undertaking an apprenticeship.

Having started as a trade assistant, Patrick is an apprentice plumber who has worked for approximately seven years in the plumbing and gas industry. Patrick has worked on a number of major jobs so far, including the Gold Coast Private Hospital and the Commonwealth Games Athletes Accommodation. Patrick says, “I am excited to be one of the apprentice ambassadors as it will give me the opportunity to educate others on what it’s like to gain an apprenticeship in the plumbing and gas industry and the limitless learning and career options it offers. If I can help the younger generation that are interested in joining the industry in any way, it would give me great satisfaction.”

MPAQ executive director Penny Cornah says, “There were quite a few applicants for the ambassador positions this year and it was difficult to only pick three to represent the trade for us this year. We feel these three individuals have the drive and determination we need to see more apprentices coming through the trade in the future.”

“With the wealth of industry experience and diversity of these three ambassadors, we are able to focus on the industry as a whole, both male and female, ensuring the longevity of our industry,” Penny says. “The Ambassadors will focus on raising awareness to students about what’s involved with an apprenticeship and where the trade can take them both professionally and personally”.

Congratulations to Daniel, Natalie, and Patrick on being appointed as this year’s Queensland Plumbing ambassadors for MPAQ.