PERSONALITY PROFILE
national standards must be adhered to when it
comes to plumbing installations, and the liability
that arises from non-compliance. We drew up an
awareness programme for architects, which we
put to their professional organisation, whereby if
they attended a presentation by us, they would
receive CPD points – they gained knowledge (and
points) and we are assisting ourselves by in turn
uplifting the plumbing industry.
“We then did the same with Iopsa, where we
developed up-to-date materials through which
members could acquire CPD points while gaining
knowledge, as well as news on international
trends and national standards. For me, it has
been a fantastic journey – the plumbing industry
is one made up of a hearty, robust and friendly
class of person and I’ve made a lot of friends in
this business,” says Kyle.
His involvement has seen Iopsa growing from
strength to strength, as well as the establishment
of the PIRB. He describes this iconic event (PIRB)
as one of the best things that has happened to
the industry, and its origins stemmed from the
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find out, he says. “You’re given an opportunity
to make a career – but further than that it’s in
your own hands to either go the extra mile or
stagnate. It’s up to the individual to uplift himself
and upgrade his skills. A lot of personal growth
comes from experiential learning. That’s been
an important motivation to me – what can you
give to the industry without getting to the point
of it placing you in actual financial strain,” says
Kyle. “If I have advice for youngsters entering
the industry, it would be: give of yourself and
success will follow naturally. Perhaps not crazy-
huge success, but fulfilling success, which
counts for more.”
Kyle says his successor Patrick Gordon was
hand-picked for having all these attributes. “Plus,
the timing was perfect, with Patrick being primed
for a new opportunity – it was almost as if it was
meant to be.”
Into ‘retirement’
At age 66 and after a lifetime of work, Kyle feels
the time is right for a break from the daily grind.
“Kyle says his successor Patrick Gordon was
hand-picked for having all these attributes.
Plus, the timing was perfect, with Patrick
being primed for a new opportunity – it was
almost as if it was meant to be.”
cessation of plumbing apprenticeships, “Which
meant that anybody could now be a plumber,”
he says.
“That wasn’t good, because the quality of
workmanship slipped badly. A group of people
centred around Lee Smith realised this, and
together with Iopsa established the PIRB, thereby
starting the concept of the ‘licensed plumber’. The
industry is now beginning to gain a realisation of
that objective – plumbers are licensed, they have
to do Continuous Professional Development, and
in the process become recognised as a profession
rather than just a trade.”
The value of this, he explains, lies in the fact there
was little in the way of official academic textbooks
or a training route to qualification in this industry.
“This means the knowledge people have has
been built up from personal experience covering
years – and it was incumbent on the people with
the knowledge to impart it and give back to the
profession. There’s quite a number of people I can
think of who have done just that – people who
collectively have the philosophy of giving back to
the industry rather than just seeing what they can
take from it.”
There’s no excuse in life for querulously
complaining, ‘Nobody told me that’ – go out and
September 2019 Volume 25 I Number 7
“I’m looking for a change of lifestyle: I’d like to
be in a position where if I decide to load up a
bike and head down to Clarens for a four-day
ride through the Golden Gate National Park, I
can do so. That doesn’t imply I’m leaving the
industry – I’m definitely not. I’m in discussion
with the various institutes as to what they want
from me, and it’s a foregone conclusion I’ll still be
highly visible giving my input wherever asked. It’s
accepted that I will still advise CalAfrica on certain
subjects whenever I can offer my experience and
add value to them.
“There is consequently no final parting, but I will
be leaving CalAfrica with great warmth and great
satisfaction as to what I have accomplished here.
“It will enable me to pursue my flying interest
again; more on a mentorship basis to the school
and a little bit of instruction – but when I want
to do so, rather than as a fixed schedule I have
to stick to. The enjoyment aspect of everything I
do will be my priority – because life is like that,
it’s what you put into it rather than what you take
out of life.” Having said that, he contrarily says
the time has now come for him to be ‘just a little
selfish’, “And have the privilege of a small bit
of freedom. Life is like the seasons – I’m now
starting into winter, but I love winter.” PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za