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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2016
WHOWANTS TO BE A PLUMBER?
T
he aim of this article is to serve as a wake-up call to
the industry and not to expect industry hiring will
proceed as normal in the coming years.
Just listen to any FM station on the way to work; there
is a recurring theme of countless ads spruiking courses in
massage therapy, audio engineering, aged care and the like,
it seems like every second person is becoming a personal
trainer or barista nowadays! An image further aided by the
VET FEE-HELP scheme student loan scandal that has lined
the pockets of white collar criminals.
The plumbing industry would be wise to face the reality of
there being far more vocational options than ever for today’s
youth. Not only are vocational options increasing, other
service industries are investing in pro-actively marketing
themselves to youth. So for the plumbing industry to grow
its apprentice base, it has to embrace the challenges of
dynamically promoting itself to attract the best young
people with the practical and intellectual capabilities
needed. This will ensure a high industry standard is
maintained and the ever-increasing demand for plumbers
can be met.
Overall, the demand for plumbers is increasing due to
economic growth and (baby-boomer) workers retiring at an
ever increasing rate, however, national data suggests the
amount of plumbers coming through the ranks appears to
be either stagnant or decreasing.
This is despite the great selling points that are bandied
about for a plumbing career. It generally pays well; there
is an abundance of work in most areas, job security and
transferable skills. Add to that the fact that plumbers can be
their own boss before the age of 25.
For those interested in a more academic path, an initial
‘on-the-tools’ plumbing career could lead to opportunities
in hydraulic systems design, environmental services,
estimating, and project management, just to name a few
options.
IT’S AN UNDERSTATEMENT TO SAY IT BUT WE LIVE IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD, IN VIRTUALLY EVERY WAY. LIKE IT
OR NOT THAT INCLUDES PUTTING A STRONG ARGUMENT TO TODAY’S YOUTH TO CONVINCE THEM TO ENTER THE
PLUMBING SECTOR, IN PREFERENCE TO A HOST OF OTHER CAREER OPTIONS.
PLUMBING CONNECTION
REPORTS.
COVER STORY:
INDUSTRY FUTURE