Description
In this report the authors examine how skills development in domestic plumbing occupations has responded to an increased emphasis on environmental sustainability and 'greening'. They find that rather than sustainability and greening requiring major changes in thinking, plumbing skills need to be responsive to changing technology and more generic skills such as dealing with customers are required. How and at what stage to best impart these skills is a challenge for plumbing and the vocational education and training sector.
Summary
About the research
There is currently widespread interest in sustainable environmental solutions, including ‘greening’. In light of this, it is timely to look at how skills in occupations are evolving and responding to this trend. This paper examines the situation in one occupation — domestic plumbing. What is meant by sustainability and greening and what the appropriate response to skills development should be are the two areas of interest addressed in this paper.
Key messages
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The concept of environmental sustainability is slippery. In the context of domestic plumbing, reference to ‘sustainability’ encompasses concerns about water usage and energy consumption.
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The major drivers to changes in plumbing are regulation and new products, mediated by consumer demand, which is primarily driven by price.
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Modern plumbing — for large companies and sole traders alike — demands that workers have both technical and soft or generic skills, such as the ability to communicate and adapt, a finding that resonates with work on so-called innovation skills (Curtin, Stanwick & Beddie [eds] 2011).
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Plumbers need to understand the relevant legislation and regulation (and government incentives), to be aware of product design, and to be able to negotiate with customers and vendors. The training needs to reflect this.
- Entry-level training undertaken in TAFE institutes needs to emphasise the basic principles of plumbing, since even with the greater focus on environmental sustainability, the fundamentals of plumbing remain the same. This training also needs to establish the foundation for continuing professional development.
That leaves the challenge of upskilling qualified plumbers, many of whom may resist further training. One option is vendor training, although the ‘selling’ aspect needs to be recognised; another might be greater regulatory requirement for continuous professional development as exists in New Zealand.
Tom Karmel
Managing Director, NCVER