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Labor Government Supporting Plumbing Apprentices of All Ages

11 March 2015

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the next generation of plumbers to tap into worthwhile and valuable careers.

On World Plumbing Day today, Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, said the role plumbers play in sustainability and water conservation often goes unnoticed.

From water reuse methods, installing water efficient products, solar water heating, developing water and energy efficient appliances and embracing new technologies, the next generation of plumbers are contributing to safeguarding the environment and water saving.

About 17 per cent of Victoria’s 4,743 plumbing apprentices in 2014 were 25 or older. A spike in mature-age plumbing apprentices is being driven partly by the lure of green plumbing, the security of the industry and forecast huge demand for services.

6,100 extra plumbers are needed in the next five years. The Andrews Labor Government is rebuilding TAFE and supporting mature-age job seekers to meet the demand.

The Labor Government is also supporting new Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centres (PICAC) to retrain manufacturing workers for new careers in plumbing, with a focus on sustainable green technologies.

Mr Herbert and Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, will celebrate World Plumbing Day today at PICAC in Brunswick to promote the National Fire Industry Associations’ e-learning program that will allow apprentices to undertake online theory before learning hands on skills.

Every eligible plumbing or fire protection apprentice receives between $15,000 and $25,000 in Victorian Government-funded training to help them develop the skills they need at TAFE or a private training provider.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert

“Plumbing is a growing industry embracing new technologies that’s helping to build a more sustainable Victoria.”

“Apprenticeships are an important pathway, not just for school-leavers, but for mature-aged Victorians wanting to start a plumbing career.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is supporting people of all ages to get the skills they need for rewarding careers.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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