22 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
attendance registers , list of jobs and hours spent on site , POE ' s to be signed .
• Every plumbing company will operate differently , although all within the same legislative framework and PIRB Plumbing Codes of Conduct . Understand the dynamics of your learning environment and what the company specialises in . It is critical to understand their ‘ ways of working ’ and ‘ company values ’.
• Be respectful to the individuals that you are working with , who are sharing their valuable experience and time . There is no material benefit to them , other than the joy of mentoring and guiding someone .
• While you are apprenticing at a plumbing company , you will need to comply with their rules and regulations . For instance , if you need to take a day ’ s leave , you need to advise your host company of this in advance .
• Be prepared for physically demanding work in piping hot or freezing cold weather . Ask any plumber who has changed a geyser in midsummer on a tin roof , or a plumber who must deal with a burst water main late at night in mid-winter .
• Since you are working with water , know that you are going to be getting wet but mostly dirty . ( Think of the dust created when chasing the walls to install copper pipes , rainy days digging trenches or climbing in dark , dusty ceilings to change geyser elements and thermostats ).
• Learning is not only acquired by hands-on participation , but by watching and listening to discussions that plumbers are having . When there are tight deadlines , a plumber will do the work himself . If there is more time , he will let you , as the apprentice , do the work . The reality is that no client wants plumbers on their property for longer than is necessary . It is important to understand this and try not to take anything personally on site . In your first year of being an apprentice , you will likely be doing a lot of running around and assisting the qualified plumbers
by doing tasks such as digging , chopping , fetching tools , and cleaning up after the work is completed . Once you master a task , you will likely be given more opportunities to grasp new skills .
• Don ’ t give up if you have a less than a fantastic day . Life is never perfect . Whether you had a good or bad experience , it is still valuable learning . My motto is , “ Each day will bring a new chance to start afresh and try again .” So , learn from your mistakes and keep going .
• If you are unhappy about something , talk to your supervisor and find a way forward . Never leave it to the point that you walk out and do not contact the host company . Your growth involves learning how to have , what might be , uncomfortable yet necessary conversations .
• Build trust with your host employer and the plumber who you work directly with . Asking questions and being eager to participate shows your willingness to be part of the team . This will earn you trust and respect . And it may even earn you a job once you have completed your training !
• After your apprenticeship , write a note thanking your host company for having you . Host companies like to know what they did well and how they can add more value to another apprentice . A thank you note , letter or e-mail , shows that you are a business professional , and this will stand you in good stead in the years to come .
I do believe that knowledge is power , and the more discussions that take place when being interviewed for an apprenticeship position , and during the apprenticeship itself , the more you and your host company will be aligned . And this lays the foundation for daily learnings , enjoyment , healthy teamwork , and a love for plumbing both now and in the future ! PA
( Editor ’ s comment : Plumbing Africa thanks Terry for the time he took to share his knowledge and provide good and sound advice to both employers and apprentices . There is nothing better than having articles from people on the ground who have been through the loop .)
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline May 2021 Volume 27 I Number 3