BUSINESS AND TRAINING
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All images : Legacy Plumbing
1-3 : Apprentices on site .
• Allow the plumber ( s ) that the apprentice will be working with , to meet them . It is through this process that you will get a sense of whether the apprentice will fit in or not . Never underestimate the influence an individual can have on the ‘ vibe ’ of a team . The apprentice needs to fit in with your company dynamics and not the other way around .
• The apprentice must fall within the company ’ s rules and regulations , even when it comes to disciplinary issues . This arrangement can be confusing to both apprentice and the host employer , since the general assumption is that the funder is the employer and will solve disciplinary issues . This is unfortunately not correct .
• Depending on the training college that your apprentice attends , he will either be working with you half day or full day for a couple of months at a time , before going back to college full time . Make sure you understand what these dates are .
• Guide and mentor your apprentice when you have regular time set aside to discuss completed jobs , his approach to the work , what went well , and where he needs more practice . This is a two-way conversation – for the apprentice and host company . This time will include checking and signing POE documents and Log sheets , Attendance Registers .
• Its good practice to tell an apprentice when he has done something well and then allow him to do that task on his own going forward . This will build his confidence so that when he has qualified , he can comfortably be employed at any plumbing establishment .
• I think it is a good idea to provide your apprentice with a reference letter on completion of the apprentice ’ s time with you . I would also suggest sending ‘ a wrap-up ’ letter to the Funder and Training Facilitator summarising the apprentice ’ s growth path – things they have done , learnt and experienced . It is good to add your recommendations towards areas of
improvement needed plus the overall impressions of the apprentices work ethic , attention to detail , problem solving ability , interpersonal skill , and overall disposition in the workplace .
Although we all have different roles to play in our industry , if you choose to have plumbing apprentices in your business , know that you are developing and defining the next generation of plumbers who will ultimately contribute to a much needed diverse and highly skilled workforce . The ripple effect is that you are also helping elevate the overall integrity , reputation , and sustainability of the plumbing industry .
See Part 2 of the Apprenticeship Journey in the April issue of Plumbing Africa ! PA
About the author : Terry Smith is the owner of Legacy Plumbing Services , registered with PIRB and a Member of IOPSA . Mobile : 071 836-7750 / E-mail : terry @ legacyplumbing . co . za
“ If you choose to have plumbing apprentices in your business , know that you are developing and defining the next generation of plumbers who will ultimately contribute to a much needed diverse and highly skilled workforce .”
March 2021 Volume 27 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za