Education is the key to helping plumbers stay at the forefront of new developments and technological challenges.
As an Industry Organisation, the Master Plumbers' and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA) has been providing scholarship and award opportunities from the turn of the 20th century.
The MPMSAA has been recognizing excellence in plumbing from 1905 with the initial awarding of a Gold Medal.
Today, not only do we continue to present a Gold Medal but also 15 other scholarships for Plumbing.
Also, for plumbers a number of overseas scholarships are available each year.
These scholarships are presented by Industry, Education Foundations and Government authorities.
Below are a number of Testimonials from plumber and apprentice award winners.
17th May 2004
Mr. Graham White
Chairman of Trustees
Australian Plumbing Industries Education Foundation
525 King Street
West Melbourne VIC 3003
Dear Mr. White,
RE: BOSCH INTERNATIONAL
MASTER PLUMBERS' SCHOLARSHIP REPORT
MONSTRA COVEGNO EXPOCOMFORT -2004
MILANO, ITALY
I would like to sincerely thank the Master Plumbers Education Foundation and Robert Bosch Australia for their generous support in making this prestigious award possible, and for their continued commitment to professional development within the plumbing industry.
It was an enormous honour and privilege to receive this scholarship and represent Australia overseas. This was an incredible opportunity which provided me with an invaluable experience that I believe has benefited me both professionally and personally.
I present this report to you which outlines my experiences overseas. These experiences have highlighted to me the fact that our industry within Australia competes favourably at a global level. I have also taken this opportunity to comment on what I consider to be important issues for our industry presently, which I believe will generate exciting developments for our profession in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Tim Dickinson
Yarra Valley Wa ter Encouragement Award
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Greg Meyerink
Employed by Chivers Plumbing
An award to encourage post-apprenticeship studies in the Water Industry, ie; cold water design. The winner of the Yarra Valley Water Encouragement Award also receives an Industry Encouragement Award donated by Yarra Valley Water Ltd.
A well rounded trade in a growth industry and an interest in travel motivated Greg to investigate plumbing as a career. He also recently spent 3 months kayaking from Cook Town to Cape York. Judging by this achievement, he has the determination and enthusiasm to realize his ambition to make a difference to Australia's environment; achieving this through involvement in water supply and pollution management. |
Rheem Australia Encouragement Award
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Chris Muston
Employed by R.J. and K Muston
An award to encourage post-apprenticeship studies in disconnect-reconnect licence and hot water design. The winner of the Rheem Australia Encouragement Award also receives an Industry Encouragement Award donated by Rheem Australia.
Chris was attracted to the plumbing industry by the variety of work, the hands on skills and the opportunity to work with every tool imaginable! Describing himself as motivated, determined and active, Chris has a long term goal of running his own large plumbing business. Whilst he is still learning and building his empire, he continues to enjoy cycling, basketball and tinkering with old cars. |
The Rose Curtis Award - Sponsored by Stramit Building Products
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Bradley Saunders - Victoria University
Employed by Tullamarine Plumbing and Drainage
Bradley first became interested in plumbing because of the hands on nature of the work and the ability to work outdoors. A little on the wild side, Brad has experienced the adrenaline rush of bungy jumping and enjoys the rush of the wind in his face when riding his motorbike and snowboarding. Hardworking, a fast learner and good listener, Brad ultimately wants to own or manage a large plumbing business. |
The Don Pritchard Award - Sponsored by Incolink
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Scott Kerr - Gordon Institute of TAFE, Employed by G-Force Recruitment
Host Employer - Ford Motor Company
Scott was first introduced to plumbing at age 16 through work experience and really enjoyed every aspect. Now 20, Scot has been through the enormous obstacle of a kidney transplant and is now focusing positively towards the future. Depicting himself as outgoing and polite, he is extremely proud of acquiring his mechanical service and gas conversion licences, and looks forward to one day owning his own plumbing business. |
The Frank Maskell Award - Sponsored by REECE Pty Ltd
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David Patterson - Employed by Lloyd Colcott & Co
David aims to eventually work for himself. He had only had a general interest in plumbing until he did a few weeks of work experience that gave him the motivation to choose plumbing as his long term career. An easy going sportsman, David is an avid cricketer and rower, whilst he enjoys the rush of abseiling when he gets the time. |
The Tradelink Plumbing Supplies Award
An award presented as an encouragement for outstanding achievement in all areas of plumbing apprenticeship. This includes excellent written work and practical skills and the demonstration of personal motivation and commitment to the trade, the winner of The Tradelink Plumbing Supplies Award also receives an Industry Encouragement Award sponsored by Tradelink Plumbing Supplies.
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Ben Wood - Employed by All in One Plumbing
Being outdoors, constantly thinking and working with your hands to solve problems were the main reasons that Ben was attracted to a career in plumbing. Ben enjoys the immense variety of tasks from small domestic to large commercial plumbing. At age 23 Ben has a keen interest in trail bikes and also enjoys tinkering with cars. Previously Ben has been involved in football and cricket, describing himself as ambitious and hard working. |
