56 ASSOCIATIONS
IOPSA ’ s training solutions
There have been some issues regarding heat pump and solar accreditation , which now has a solution .
By
IOPSA
Training has become quite an extensive part of IOPSA ’ s activities and not only covers student training , but also involves assessing various training providers to ensure that they deliver the quality of training that is required by industry .
IOPSA has created a test , in consultation with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board ( PIRB ), based on the standards applicable to heat pumps and solar hot water systems , whereby plumbers can obtain a relevant designation of either a heat pump or solar installer . On passing the test , IOPSA will provide a recognised certificate that can be submitted to the PIRB .
IOPSA is a Quality Council for Trades & Occupations ( QCTO ) assessment quality partner , and although it has taken a while to reach this point and get this opportunity going , it is certainly a move in the right direction for the industry .
Further to this new recognised training opportunity , Nedbank has approached IOPSA to become the lead employer to take students through a full programme of training , to be able to register with the PIRB and complete the trade test . This initiative was started early in May 2018 , and the students have been in the training environment , going over the theoretical content , before getting into the workplace . Host employers have also been identified where the students can get the practical experience required .
IOPSA has engaged with the Ekurhuleni TVET college and is again the lead employer , where 25 students have completed their three months of theory and have been placed with their host employers . Likewise , 25 students are currently attending the college in Port Elizabeth . As the lead employer , IOPSA ensures that all the training , tools , and PPE are in order , and that students can be placed to ultimately qualify as plumbers .
A further 50 students are scheduled to start the course . The key elements for IOPSA are that a shift has taken place from following to leading , and through this as an official body , we are getting all the right people coming to us and asking the right questions in terms of what a plumber needs to comply with standards .
We are getting more involved in this aspect , as training is so critical for the industry . We are looking at identifying what we would call ‘ IOPSA-accredited training schools ’, so this is a roll-on in terms of heat pump and solar training that we will provide , and it incorporates facilities that have an interest in terms of offering this training to narrow the gaps . IOPSA will create the applicable opportunities and develop the tests , the application forms , the processes and so on , to assist the plumbers in obtaining the necessary designations through accredited training courses . PA
IOPSA ’ s new national executive committee
The Institute of Plumbing South Africa ( IOPSA ) announced its new national executive committee as it wraps up its 78th Natexec held on 19 April 2018 , at Huddle Park golf course .
By
IOPSA
The national executive committee had to vote for the office bearer positions of president , vice-president , and treasurer , who will serve for a term of two years . The following persons were elected into their respective positions : Lea Smith was voted in to serve his third term as the IOPSA president ; Martin Kaschula for his first term as the IOPSA vice-president ; and lastly , Mark Pratt was voted in for his second term as the national treasurer . The Institute would like to officially welcome them into their positions and wish them the best of luck for the years to come . At the national executive committee meeting , many exciting topics were discussed , and the entire national executive committee is working tirelessly to better the industry . PA
June 2018 Volume 24 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za