EnergySafe Magazine Summer 2018/19, issue 52 | Page 15

esv.vic.gov.au Testing the technical skills of our plumbing apprentices By Laurie Devitt, Gas Safety Officer The technical skills of plumbing apprentices was tested at the end of August in the 2018 Plumbing Apprentices Skills Competition, at Swinburne University of Technology in Croydon. ESV has supported this competition since it began in 2016, along with other industry partners, including VBA. This event leads up to World Skills Australia – a nationwide vocational education and excellence competition. The competition, required competing apprentices to work diligently throughout the day to complete each skill challenge, after which the judging panel of current and former plumbing instructors chose the top three performers. In the weeks leading up to the event, competing students have the opportunity to work closely with a mentor to focus on developing their skills for the competition. » First place: Liam Bower from RMIT » Runner up: Charlie James from Federation College » Third place: Jake Styles from Swinburne University of Technology. Apprentices from Swinburne, Chisholm, RMIT, Federation and Holmesglen Colleges competing in areas including cutting, joining, bending and fabricating different types of pipe work used in the plumbing trade. ESV congratulates the three winners, their colleges, mentors and plumbing instructors, and all of the apprentices who took part. We also congratulate Paul Burke and Swinburne University Plumbing Department for hosting this very important event. Electricity hazards safety guide published By Rob Oldfield, Work Practice Advisor ESV has produced an update of the Electricity Hazards Safety Guide. This guide provides guidance to Victorian emergency services personnel dealing with potential electricity hazards and managing safety, where the electricity supply system may be involved in fire, rescue and other emergency situations. To view and download your copy, head to esv.vic.gov.au/ electricity-hazards-safety-guide Hard day's work: participants of this year's skills competition 15