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PLUMBING CONNECTION
WINTER 2016
while solely dedicated to plumbing, there is a very effective
use of flexible learning modules and trucks to get training
and education to where it is needed.
In some quarters there has been a perception that PICAC
came to fruition in order to compete with TAFEs and Shayne
was quick to dismiss any thinking of that sort.
“That’s completely wrong. At the end of the day we
are the industry, a collaboration of all the key plumbing
organisations across Australia (Master Plumbers, Plumbers
Union, NFIA, AMCA) so anything that happens in the industry,
in terms of where participant development heads, is no more
vital to anyone than us.
“As soon as students finish their training, whether a 16
week or three year course, they head into our industry.
Nobody is more concerned about the competency of
individuals being trained in plumbing than the industry itself.
“We’re not naive enough to think that we can be all things
to all people and partnering with those who have specific
skills and abilities, such as TAFE, makes perfect sense to us.
The mistake is to think we have any other interest other than
trying to develop individuals to the highest possible level
we can, per minute and dollar of training investment. The
better our return for that, the better off our industry will be,
irrespective of where its sourced from” Shayne says.
As part of the planning process for the Geelong site, PICAC
has been engaging in meetings with The Gordon Institute of
TAFE in Geelong, regarding how the two can complement one
another once the centre is open.
“We are looking at ways we can bring specialist, high-
tech training to students, whoever they are enrolled
with. The volume stuff is obviously their bread and butter
and something they’re highly experienced in so we can
benefit from that and bring some of that knowledge into
our own environment. We would be looking to leverage off
our specialisation in more niche areas such as rain water
harvesting for example.
TRAINING
The construction itself is completed in Geelong and is now at the fit out phase. PICAC estimate that it will be delivering
training in the coastal city by mid to late this year.
One of the biggest lessons PICAC has taken on board is the
importance of creating flexible learning spaces.