Create quality apprenticeships COVID allowed us to have flexibility with our apprentices, it meant we could keep them on for three days and then have four days off. It was important to us to be giving those opportunities during such a difficult time
Nathan Jarvis wants to ensure the next generation of plumbers have what it take to move the industry forward, writes Kathryn Kernohan. Nathan Jarvis has always been passionate about the importance of quality apprenticeships to give young plumbers the best possible start in the industry – and he can pinpoint exactly where his interest came from. “When I was younger, I was lucky to have two bosses who were all about teaching the right way. They were about providing quality work and taking no shortcuts and keeping the customer happy. They had a big impact on me and I try to teach the same things to my apprentices.” Last year, Nathan joined Master Plumbers’ Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) consultative 28 | Australian Plumbing Industry Magazine | Winter 2021
committee, to take even more of a leadership role in supporting the next generation of plumbers. “Throughout my time I’ve seen plenty of apprentices get involved in the industry, then run off and do something else, but not really learn the importance of quality plumbing. I’m really happy that I can hopefully make a difference and improve things for everyone involved in the industry.” Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 throughout 2020, Nathan continued to employ more than a dozen apprentices to support what ended up being increased demand on his business Park Lane Plumbing Services across some areas of work.
“COVID allowed us to have flexibility with our apprentices, it meant we could keep them on for three days and then have four days off. It was important to us to be giving those opportunities during such a difficult time. “When the first lockdown in Melbourne happened, work dropped off overnight for about a week. But then, with so many people working at home and commercial spaces empty, a lot of clients began to bring planned work forward. We did a lot of work with office spaces, for example, during the months when they were closed down.” Nathan got his start in plumbing the same way so many others did – through the influence of his father. “I’m from an era of going to work with dad during the school holidays,” he laughs. “From when I was young, I always knew I was going to follow in dad’s
