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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2015
“With the MPA SA also being a Registered Training
Organisation, we are involved in the structure and delivery
of courses for Year 10, 11 & 12 students in 5 of the
VET schools across the metropolitan area. These are a
Certificate I in Construction (with a plumbing focus) and
a Doorways to Construction Plumbing Plus course which
comprises a cluster of competencies from the Certificate III
in Roof Plumbing,” Greg explains.
“Each of the students in these courses are initially
interviewed and undertake an aptitude test, both conducted
by the Field Officers from the MPA. With assistance from the
trainers within the schools combined with the observations
of our Field Officers on their regular visits, the top 3-4
students from each school are identified as potential
candidates for an apprenticeship. The main criteria used to
select the top candidates is skill, ability, attitude and level
of commitment. A list containing these names along with
any other available existing apprentices is sent to over 400
members of the association each week.”
“The MPASA also run many short courses for qualified
plumbers in new technologies and products as well as the
Plumbing and Gas Fitting Regulators road shows.”
To ensure the curriculum of TAFE SA closely aligns with
the beliefs of MPA members, both Greg and Chief Executive
Andrew Clarke are members of the Plumbing Industry
Reference Group (PIRG).
“Meetings are held at the new TAFE complex at Tonsley
at regular intervals throughout the year. The committee
comprises members from a wide cross section of the
industry including TAFE lecturers, manufacturers, group
training organisations, industry regulators and plumbing
contractors. Among other industry issues discussed, one
of the key elements is to ensure the training and course
structures remain relevant and in step with a rapidly
changing and evolving industry,” Greg says.
TAFE SA delivers competency based training from
the nationally endorsed qualifications from the CPC08
Training package. Theses qualifications are delivered and
recognised across Australia: the Certificate III in Plumbing
has a licensing outcome in all states and territories except
Victoria.
GREG LYNG SAYS IT’S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE
I’d like to address students considering entering an apprenticeship.
At the beginning of each course in the VET schools when there is
a new intake of students, myself, one of our Field Officers and our
trainer Rob Kavanagh are invited to speak to the students to provide
an overview of the industry and the varying directions that can be
taken, which also incorporates the requirements of commencing a
career in plumbing.
Some of the key pieces of advice given to the students revolves
around exceptional behaviour to create a good and lasting
impression, displaying an unwavering level of commitment, a
constantly positive attitude and a willingness to listen and learn. In
what is an extremely competitive environment, we believe these are
vital areas where the students need to excel in order to encourage
someone to consider them for an apprenticeship which includes
even those that have displayed outstanding skills and job aptitude.
For those already engaged in an apprenticeship, we encourage
them to continue their studies following completion by enrolling
to undertake all components of the Certificate IV to obtain their
contractor’s licence. The importance of continuing to enhance their
skills and knowledge by attending additional training courses is also
strongly reinforced. We also reiterate the importance of continually
maintaining the standard and quality of workmanship throughout
their career in line with regulations and the ethics expected of those
within our industry. Finally, we advocate the adherence to and the
observation of safe practices at all times in the workplace with
the ultimate aim of ensuring everyone returns home safely each
and every day. In summary, the Association considers mentoring,
guidance and advice as extremely important components of
continual career and personal development.
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
WE CURRENTLY HAVE WHAT WE
CONSIDER A HEALTHY NUMBER OF
APPRENTICES WHICH REFLECTS
THE RESILIENCE OF THE PLUMBING
INDUSTRY IN SA.