BUSINESS AND TRAINING
53
Training and trade test
procedure for plumbers
As plumbing is a trade and part of
the building industry, all plumbers
must learn this trade through
a three-year apprenticeship in
the employment of a qualified
experienced plumber.
Sam Dubazana
By Sam Dubazana
An apprentice must be at least 15 years of age.
You will need to register with the Construction
Education and Training Authority (CETA) sector
and enter into a contract with your employer. In
this contract, you will agree to:
• Remain in the service of your employer
for the duration of your apprenticeship
and abide by their instructions.
• Carry out your duties, learn about the
plumbing trade, and work safely in
the industry:
• Attend a registered training college to
complete your course.
Your employer will:
• Teach you the plumbing trade to the
best of their ability.
• Abide by the relevant industrial standards.
• Be responsible for your safety and
welfare while under their care.
Your trade certificate is awarded after
successfully completing your first three
years of on-the-job training, which includes
completion of a nationally recognised NQF
level 4 certificate through the accredited
trade test centre.
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Sanitary plumbing
Drain layers
Hot and cold water systems
Gas fitting
Fire hydrant and sprinkler systems
Air conditioning and heating
Urban irrigation systems
Roofing installation and water
management systems
General plumbing maintenance.
Large companies
It is customary practice for large construction
companies to contract out work on the
building projects that they are managing.
The contracted firms employ most of the
tradespeople in the construction industry.
Organisations
Some plumbers are employed by large
organisations such as local councils, as well
as water and sanitation departments.
POSSIBLE EMPLOYERS The South African plumbing industry can
achieve the development of quality plumbers’
competency by organising and coordinating
apprenticeship programmes that will assist
the trainees and employers to interchange
the trainees in different areas.
Small businesses
The majority of the plumbing industry is made
up of small companies or businesses, run by an
owner/manager, which only employ between
one and 10 staff members. These companies
specialise in one or more of the many areas that
make up the industry, including: The Plumbing Africa contributors Arnux
Mare, Darren Parker, and Vollie Brink have
written about the most important ideals of
a plumber’s development. It is up to the
plumbing industry and the stakeholders
to make this programme work so as to
participate in job creation in this country. PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
July 2018 Volume 24 I Number 5