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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SPRING 2015
HORSES FOR COURSES
I
ndustry apprenticeships are a subject that almost
everyone across this industry seems to have an
‘expert’ opinion on. What we have been reporting on in
recent editions are the different approaches each State is
taking, to suit the peculiarities of their local markets.
Many years back the South Australian market was
served by one Adelaide-based college at Regency Park,
under the tutelage of the legendary Len Hossack, who
co-authored the Plumbing Services series of text books.
These days a number of training centres exist and the
South Australian Master Plumbers is working very closely
with TAFE.
Unfortunately the same can’t be said of the
relationships between TAFE and the industry in some of
the other States. But I am not going to venture an opinion
on the why’s or wherefores.
We also have a very interesting story on a new NSW
Master Plumbers training initiative that fully qualifies
apprentices in just three-years. And before you jump to
conclusions, read the article first and you will understand
the full story – it’s quite a revolution.
We were reminded by that story that the MPA NSW
(and I’m sure it happens in other States) prefers to get to
meet/interview the parents of prospective apprentices
– that’s a wonderful nurturing aspect of the plumbing
industry that says ‘we’ll take your kids under our arms
and treat them with respect and build a career for them’.
That’s something a lot of other industries could take a leaf
out of.
WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH STUDY
Congratulations to the Victorian AHSCA and its
particularly energetic president-of-everything Mark
Alexander for taking the initiative to undertake a
significant research project looking at the hydraulic
behaviour of roof water. With changing climates across
the globe, the research is certainly timely and will go a
long way to dealing with bigger storms and downpours.
This is an enormous project with a sizeable price tag
that serves the national interest – and it’s funded by
industry. That’s a great way to invest AHSCA surplus funds
back into the industry for the benefit of its members and
the industry at large. In time the IP and results which will
likely impact Codes and Standards globally will be sold and
hopefully the invested funds will come back into the local
industry to kick off more projects of a similar ilk.
Check out the introduction to the project on page 48
and in coming editions, we’ll track the progress of the
research and outcomes.
There are more great stories in this issue by our staff
writers and valued contributors - information that you
can only find in
Plumbing Connection
. Of particular note
is Solar Fix by one of our newest contributors Mathew
Briggs. Mathew provides practical advice that aims to
make you more proficient in the area of solar hot water
repairs. His articles are straight forward and will provide
you with a head start over the next guy who comes in
under gunned in his assessment.
EDITORIAL
Enjoy the read.
Jeff Patchell
Publisher