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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2015
A
new training model for obtaining a Certificate III in
Plumbing has been developed by the Master Plumbers
and Mechanical Contractors Association of NSW.
While the three year cadetship has been criticised by
some as destroying the four year apprenticeship, on closer
inspection this intensive training scheme is by no means the
‘easy road’ and looks set to produce some pretty impressive
results.
As of August, the Master Plumbers College of Excellence
is home to the Cadetship in Plumbing Engineering. The
program turns the traditional four year apprenticeship
model on its head with an intensive 18 months of initial
institutional training followed by 18 months of paid on-the-
job training.
“We had been looking at the process of training and
assessment since we became a full trade training provider.
We weren’t seeing quality outcomes from the current
methodology in our state, so we decided to change the
model to improve the outcome.
“In September last year we travelled to Europe to have a
look at the assessment processes there which, to a certain
extent, was the impetus for this model. The key to this model
is that when a student completes the institutional delivery
they are guaranteed a job in the apprenticeship scheme,”
says general manager Master Plumbers Association NSW
Paul Naylor.
The cadetship will deliver five streams of Certificate
III in Plumbing, adding roof plumbing to the four streams
offered by TAFE. Prospective cadets will undergo a rigorous,
multi-stage selection process before being signed up
to the program. This includes aptitude testing, Harrison
Assessments (a pre-hire assessment toolkit), a practical
orientation to plumbing and multiple interviews with both
the cadet and their parents.
“Group training companies have similar recruiting
processes but I don’t think they’re as exhaustive as ours
– we’ve actually increased the extent of the testing that
these kids will go through. Because they’re going to come to
APPRENTICESHIPS
ENGINEERING CHANGE
THE CADETSHIP IN PLUMBING ENGINEERING KNOCKS A YEAR OFF THE TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP, BUT WHAT
IT LACKS IN DURATION, IT MAKES UP FOR IN INTENSITY.
JACOB HARRIS
EXPLAINS.