ASSOCIATIONS 3
From the Executive Director
By
Brendan Reynolds
Institute of Plumbing SA ( IOPSA ) is fully committed to youth development .
One often hears the expression “ the youth are the future ” or similar , which is correct . Throughout the generations , youth have come through the ages and changes have taken place – good and bad .
Nonetheless the youth have a role , which is not necessarily as expounded as it should be . It just seems to happen .
Essentially their role is to renew , refresh and maintain society , the latter being not only for the present but for the future too , as well as fulfilling their own potential . One statement was that they are expected to advance technology , education , politics and peace .
Let us turn to the Plumbing Industry and the work being done in developing our youth in the critical and essential industry of plumbing and water , for if there was no water , we have no need for plumbers .
Several organisations are making training at various colleges available to young people – private and public – which adopt various methods of training and ultimately reach the goal of a qualified plumber .
© Rory Macnamara | Plumbing Africa
Brendan Reynolds .
It is a tough and long road , but that is what youth are about – perseverance and courage .
The road they must walk includes – in most cases – selfdevelopment and finding oneself , theoretical training and on-the-job training for three to four years .
IOPSA is fully committed to this , and through its discussions with different organisations , is encouraging bodies to assist financially and in ways that recognise the potential of youth and the need to develop themselves . This is where inexperience and experience meet .
Theory is important , but on-the-job training is where it is put into practice and is also where the apprentice discovers that every job is different , what happens when the dirt hits the fan , and why using the incorrect tool can be painful !
We deal with many of these youngsters who have wanted to , are , and are wanting to go this route – fully appreciating that they can do it ! They start off nervous and unsure and then gain confidence as the trainers and the mentor or plumber develop their minds in terms of doing the correct thing , problem solving and allowing the innovative spirit to think . starts – and being a plumber means one must now apply what the youth is about as well as what they will start doing to renew , refresh and maintain society .
Whether one remains a plumber for the rest of their lives or not , one has a purpose to support those who follow to work properly , understand compliance and encourage them . If one is fortunate to enter the business world of plumbing – learning starts all over again . One needs to be as good at running a business as they are at plumbing .
The Institute will support , guide and direct as far as they can , but the passion comes from oneself to achieve . Remember what you do each day will affect the future . That is the role of youth . PA
“… one must now apply what youth is about and what they will start doing to renew , refresh and maintain society …”
Back to inexperience and experience . That company and mentor have been through the process and will explain that learning does not stop when one receives that precious QCTO certificate – it only
November 2023 Volume 29 I Number 9 www . plumbingafrica . co . za