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Plumbing on Show Expo

There’s a variety of opportunities for women interested in the plumbing industry

Students exploring a career in trades, apprentices and plumbing enthusiasts descended on the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) in Narre Warren when the doors opened to the public for the Plumbing on Show Expo, presented by Master Plumbers.

The state-of-the-art plumbing training complex in Melbourne’s thriving southeast was the perfect setting to showcase the latest developments in the industry, ranging from careers information and training demonstrations for those looking to enter the trade, right through to exhibitor demonstrations and keynote presentations from industry experts for the seasoned professionals looking to keep up with the latest developments in plumbing. With the support of event sponsor, Apprenticeships Victoria, and sponsors, Women in Plumbing and Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria, the Expo kicked off with a keynote presentation from industry experts Paul Bonsak, Managing Director at IAPMO and Jon Palfrey, Commercial Manager at Thermal Energy Solutions, who shared their knowledge on plumbing sustainability, clean energy and new technologies. Mr Palfrey remarked that there is plenty to look forward to in the realm of plumbing. “It’s such an exciting time in the industry I wish I was starting my career again now,” he said.

Those looking to kick off their careers in plumbing were treated to an array of hands-on plumbing training demonstrations including guttering, PVC pipe work and silver braising. Henry, aged 10, was chuffed. “My dad is a plumber and I’ve seen a lot of the stuff that he does but to actually do it myself today has been really exciting. Joining the copper pipes with the torch was fun and looks really cool with the big flame.” The growing number of females interested in plumbing was also evident with many exploring the Expo and taking in the panel discussion about the opportunities available to women in the industry. Industry stalwart and plumbing instructor Shelley Decker hosted the panel of business owners and managers and prompted shared experiences from all involved to discuss the variety of opportunities that are possible for women who want to get involved in plumbing. “For a long time, I’ve had a dream to develop a business that had a sole focus to employ and empower female plumbers.” said Kymberley Smyth, of Hey Sista Plumbing. “There are so many customers I see on the job who, for a variety of reasons, prefer to have a female tradesperson in their home to do a job. I’m proud that I’m able to facilitate this need for them.”

The free coffee, bacon and egg rolls, and sausage sizzle on the hydrogen BBQ courtesy of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group were also a big hit. For information about a career in plumbing or hosting an apprentice, visit pav.info@plumber.com.au

Celebrating our apprentices

The Master Plumbers Apprentice Awards and Graduation ceremony celebrated the skill, effort and commitment of the students within the Master Plumbers RTO and Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV) programs.

Master Plumbers RTO Awards

Nominees: Riley Loton, Jake Holstein, James Fisher, Jasmine Garner, Shi Tong, Daniel Cooper, Maxx Doyle, Bolin Zhou, Nathan Brown, Cara Cutri, Naomi Taylor, Michael Edwards, Patrick Riley, Justin Jongsma, Jordan Tait, Hexiang Gao, Peter Cutera

Winners:

Most Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by Milwaukee: Maxx Doyle Most Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by Plumbing Apprentices Victoria: Justin Jongsma Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice Award General Plumbing Sponsored by Reece: Hexiang Gao Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice Award Mechanical Services Sponsored by Rheem: Riley Loton Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria Awards Nominees: Austin King, Hadi Mohammadi, Flynn Read, Martin Brennan, Michael Macdonald, Anthony O’Shea, Clint Maloney, Jack Forbes, Kade Perry, Matthew Glen, Michaela Healey, Jill Melville, Louis Gaud, Michael Langdon, Nathan Brien, Jessah Iliopoulous

Winners:

Sir Rohan Delacombe 1st Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by CBUS: Clint Maloney Peter Pratt 2nd Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by PBA Safety: Jack Forbes Don Pritchard 3rd Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by Incolink: Michaela Healey Don Pritchard 3rd Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by Incolink: Anthony O’Shea Alfred Atherton 4th Year Apprentice Award Sponsored by Insinkerator: Nathan Brien The Women In Plumbing Program Encouragement Award Sponsored by Women in Plumbing: Hayley Bransden Host Recognition Award CDC Investment Group Pty Ltd Host Recognition Award Kilburn Plumbing Pty Ltd Host Recognition Award Project Plus Plumbing Services Pty Ltd Host Recognition Award Wilson Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd 2021-2022 Plumbing Apprentices Victoria Graduating Apprentices Mitchell Butt, Darren King, Shane Pattinson, Matthew Perriman, Gabriel BeckGodoy, Shashi Deka, Blake Di Medio, Joseph Galluccio, Dimitrios Guicas, Adam Janousek, Ryan Lamb, Mohamed Rasool, Harley Volgyesi, Justin Brook, Toby Geeves, Nicholas Parveez, Kade Perry, Samuel Wignall, Marco D’Aversa, Mitchell Day, Alexander Forbes, Joel Impeduglia, Rhys Kirkpatrick, Michael Langdon, William McEvoy, Alexander Mitrevski, David Pacovski, Shaun Scott, Benjamin Ambrosi, Jiaen Zhang Award Sponsors are Cbus, PBA Safety, Incolink, inSinkErator, Milwaukee, Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria, The Women in Plumbing Program, Reece and Rheem.