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Like many trades within Australia, the plumbing industry is currently facing the reality of an ageing population, and the prospect of a significant drop in the number of experienced plumbers working within the industry.
The MPMSAA with support from the Australian Government's Mature Age Industry Strategy Fund through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has developed the 'Tapping into Experience' project which aims to plug the anticipated skills gap in the plumbing industry.
Aside from your typical plumber, there are a number of auxiliary occupations that are involved with inspection, registration, health and safety, or education and training.
Organisations in these fields are also experiencing the effects of a tight labour market and as a result there are considerable employment opportunities that would be well suited to skilled and experienced plumbers with a sound knowledge of the industry.
However, in order to take up these positions, your typical plumber will need training in order to develop new skill sets.
The 'Tapping into Experience' initiative, will be able to help job seekers by developing a range of pathways to enable the transition of mature age plumbers into a range of less physical auxiliary roles within the plumbing industry.
The MPMSAA with support from the Australian Government's Mature Age Industry Strategy Fund through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
has developed the "Tapping into Experience" project which aims to plug the anticipated skills gap in the plumbing industry.
A survey targeting MPMSAA member companies and other broader plumbing industry organisations was distributed in the March 2007
Surveys were sent to TAFE Institutes, Secondary Colleges, Group Training Companies, Retailers and Regulatory Authorities. The aim of the strategy is to research and engage companies that could be potential employers for mature age (45 plus) plumbing applicants.
Feedback from the surveys highlighted the main areas where there are 73 opportunities for mature aged plumbers to be employed on a full time or part time basis.
Note: Some reasons for these positions not being filled are:
- Not many suitably qualified plumbers were available or were not aware of these jobs.
- Plumbing applicants did not meet the skills and qualifications requirements.
Where the jobs are
Plumbing Companies:
Are seeking to fill positions where there are skill shortages in Balancing and Commissioning, Mechanical Services, Design, Estimating, Sales, Gasfitting, Quoting, Supervision, General Plumbing.
Secondary Colleges:
Responses indicated that there is a need for Technology Teachers that may be filled by plumbers, however, a training qualification is required. Nine respondents indicated that there are also jobs for grounds maintenance and general plumbing work.
TAFE Institutes:
Requirements are for Plumbing Instructors and Storepersons. Teaching positions may be full time or part time, however a Certificate IV Training qualification is required.
Regulatory Authorities:
The Plumbing Industry Commission is seeking to employ two licensed plumbers immediately who have excellent writing and communication skills to inspect, audit and provide technical assistance.
Retail:
Plumbing Suppliers (stores throughout Victoria) are seeking to employ plumbers who have an interest in sales/stores and delivery. Free training will be provided by the company.
WorkSafe Victoria:
WorkSafe Victoria recruits 15-20 OH&S inspectors annually. They are keen to engage people with construction industry experience.
Insurance claims Assessors:
Discussions with the Insurance Association indicate that potentially there may be many positions for experienced plumbers nationally. A training course has been customized for plumbers.
Results from the Employer Survey conducted in March 2007 can be found here.
Training
The
MPMSAA is constantly developing programs and exploring training opportunities with TAFE colleges and registered training providers to provide skills gap training for mature aged plumbers.
Courses
Certificate IV in Training and Workplace Assessment is the minimum qualification required to teach in TAFE Colleges.
The
MPMSAA is customising a course for delivery to plumbers in November 2007 at its Training Centre in West Melbourne.
Insurance Claims Assessment
A course has been designed to enable plumbers to complete ‘on-line’ and face to face training on a part time basis over 6 months. (PDF course outline)
Note: Course content is also suitable for positions with regulatory organisations eg. Plumbing Industry Commission and Energy Safe Victoria.
OH&S Certificate and Diploma courses are available through a range of training providers. It is preferable that plumbers commence or have completed a certificate in OH&S before applying for OH&S officers positions with WorkSafe Victoria or other organisations.
PIC Auditors - Casey Services conduct training courses for plumbers interested in auditing.
Links
Jobwise - www.jobwise.gov.au
Jobsearch - www.jobsearch.gov.au
MPMSAA - www.plumber.com.au
Plumbing Industry Commission - www.pic.vic.gov.au
Energy Safe Victoria - www.esv.vic.gov.au
TAFE Development Centre - www.tafecentre.vic.edu.au
Jobs at TAFE - www.jobsattafe.nga.net.au
How would my business benefit by employing mature aged plumbers?
The MPMSAA has developed this website to enable employers to post job vacancies and details of skills, qualifications and company details to attract the most suitable applicants
If seen as an investment in the business and the right selection is made, it can be very rewarding both financially and personally.
Why not employ a mature aged plumber?
Add value to your company from their:
- Experience
- Work Ethic
- Maturity
- Motivation
- Loyalty
Finding a mature aged plumber
If you are looking to employ a mature aged plumber there are a number of options you can pursue.
Employers Survey
Results from the Employer Survey conducted in March 2007 can be found here.
Links
Jobwise - www.jobwise.gov.au
Jobsearch - www.jobsearch.gov.au
MPMSAA - www.plumber.com.au
Plumbing Industry Commission - www.pic.vic.gov.au
Energy Safe Victoria - www.esv.vic.gov.au
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Mature Age Plumbers
