Business and training
Student plumbers ’ expectation of plumbing industry
Many youngsters today dream of becoming plumbers ; sadly , the industry itself appears to be one of their biggest stumbling blocks .
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By
Sam Dubazana
The following questions were posed to a group of plumber learners as part of their assessment . Their answers are quite insightful .
What is a young person expecting to achieve in the plumbing industry ? To be self-employed and create jobs for the country .
What did you know about the industry before you started with your studies ? What I knew about plumbing was that a plumber repairs leaking pipes , unblocks drains , and does the dirty jobs .
Why did you choose this industry now ? Working with a plumber , I saw the opportunity and did my investigation about the industry . I discovered that work and opportunities to be self-employed are available .
What do you hope to accomplish in your career as a plumber ? I would like to start my own company .
What should the industry do to enable you to achieve your goals in plumbing ? The industry needs to create opportunities for student plumbers to gain experience and knowledge .
Implications The plumbing industry is expected to assist every young person who wants to become a plumber by providing appropriate training , workplace training , and good mentors .
This is the challenge to the plumbing industry , and it is disappointing to see that the industry and its stakeholders are unable to provide career guidance and assistance to these young people .
Plumbing companies need to promote the plumbing profession , and the qualification should be recognised and endorsed to facilitate the employment of qualified plumbers .
I am proposing and inviting all stakeholders to join me in promoting the plumbers in your companies in Plumbing Africa . PA
This is the challenge to the plumbing industry , and it is disappointing to see that the industry and its stakeholders are unable to provide career guidance and assistance to these young people .
Sam Dubazana
www . plumbingafrica . co . za June 2017 Volume 23 I Number 4