Reece has signed on to be the major sponsor of this year’s WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition in Plumbing & Heating. Established in 1981, the regional competition is hosted every two years and is regarded as the biggest apprentice trades and skills competition in Australia.

As the sponsor of the Plumbing & Heating competition, Reece will provide the plumbing materials for six competitors participating in every regional competition.

Catching up with John Doig, Reece’s Plumbing Business Development Manager, he emphasises the significance of this competition, saying it “combines all different trades from all over Australia, all having a go, to become the best at what they do.

Apprentices are our future. They are our future customers, so it makes sense that we support the best of the best to get to the next level in the quality of their work. By showing sponsoring WorldSkills we touch base with plumbing apprentices from all over Australia.”

The regional competition cycle identifies the best apprentices and trainees to compete in skills challenges over 60 different skills and trades, including Plumbing & Heating.

The competitions are run by TAFEs, Registered Training Organisations, Universities, Colleges, and Secondary Schools and are aligned to the Units of Competency required for the Certificate III in Plumbing for open competitions and Certificate II in Construction Pathways for VET in Schools.

The regional competitions culminate in the National Championships, also supported by Reece, which see the regional winners come together to compete against the best in the country and around the world. The age-eligible medallists at the National Championships may have the opportunity to represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in 2026.

CEO of WorldSkills International Trevor Schwenke said, “On behalf of myself and WorldSkills Australia, we are delighted to have Reece as a sponsor for our 2024 Regional Plumbing & Heating Competitions. Throughout the years, Reece has consistently demonstrated unwavering support, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of aspiring plumbers. Their commitment has not only contributed significantly to the growth of the trade but has also paved a robust career path for individuals seeking excellence in the plumbing industry.”

Reece has supported WorldSkills Australia for the past decade. The program aligns closely with the company’s passion to support the next generation of plumbers and its commitment to be their most valuable partner.

How do apprentices and trainees get involved?

Apprentices should speak to their local TAFE/training institution to enquire when the local regional competition is running and register their interest to participate.

The competition holds no age restriction for the Regional Competitions, but to progress to the National Championships in 2025, competitors must be born on or after 1 January 2001.

Competitors should meet at least one of the following criteria for the skill they intend to compete in:

• Be undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship at an Australian RTO/TAFE/University
• Be undertaking studies towards a qualification at an Australian RTO/TAFE/University
• Undertaken/completed qualification at an Australian RTO/TAFE/University.

Competitors should either work, live or study in the region where they compete.

Head to the WorldSkills Australia website for more information.