6 ASSOCIATIONS
Tapping into hidden skills to accelerate plumbing industry transformation
By
IOPSA edited by Rory Macnamara
Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning ( ARPL ), which officially acknowledges prior learning in terms of registered qualifications and unit standards , can be a highly effective driver of transformation of the formal plumbing industry and the construction sector in general .
This is by enabling more skilled and experienced craftspeople operating in the informal plumbing industry to attain a recognised qualification . Through closer collaboration between leading industry bodies , public institutions , education providers and industry , the reach of ARPL could be significantly extended to enable more individuals to access decent , secure , and better paying jobs in the formal plumbing industry , while also being afforded the opportunity to grow and develop as professionals and individuals . Roughly 80 % of the estimated 100 000 unqualified “ plumbers ” in the informal sector are black Africans .
Moreover , ARPL has the potential to play an even greater role in helping to address the acute shortage of qualified plumbers in the country , while also supporting the National Development Plan ’ s target of producing the 30 000 additional artisans a year that are needed for large public works programmes . The existing training and education system is struggling to keep pace with the significant demand for professional plumbers . This is considering the many industrial , commercial , hospitality and residential developments that need reliable and safe water and sanitation services in the country . In 2018 , just under 90 % of all houses in the country had access to drinking water via tap or pipe located onsite or offsite . Meanwhile , just more than 80 % of all South African households had access to sanitation services .
At present , more than 86 % of all individuals doing plumbing are not qualified to do so , with more than half of the industry ’ s total workforce currently operating in the informal sector . Some of these individuals acquired their skills from working in the formal plumbing industry . They left their employers to service property owners who may not want to pay the fees charged by professional plumbers or who are unable to afford these services . In some instances , they are permanently employed by professional plumbing companies and work on an ad-hoc basis in the informal plumbing industry to supplement their incomes .
Brendan Reynolds , Executive Director of the Institute of Plumbing South Africa ( IOPSA ), says that the dire shortage of qualified plumbers and increasing “ informality ” of the industry have been long-standing problems . “ These issues are threatening the sustainability of the professional plumbing industry and efforts geared at strengthening a trade that plays a key role in providing water and sanitation for health , hygiene , and wellbeing . This is in addition to ensuring the efficient use of water and energy . The consumer is also increasingly at risk because of these challenges . Because unqualified plumbers have not completed any formal and structured training , they may not be aware of the latest standards and regulations that pertain to plumbing . This is especially the case in the informal plumbing market where there is usually scant compliance with and enforcement of regulations and standards . Among the many risks associated with poor plumbing workmanship are pipe leaks or bursts which can result in costly damage to property . In extenuating circumstances , entire plumbing systems may also have to be replaced at a significant extra cost to the property owner . This is not to mention the many health and safety risks associated with sub-standard plumbing installations . These include the potential contamination of clean drinking water , spreading of disease , scalding and , in some cases , explosions ,” Reynolds says .
Unlike professional plumbers , the informal sector has also struggled to keep pace with the latest industry trends , such as “ green ” plumbing systems that reduce water and energy use . This expertise is especially important in a water-stressed country that is also grappling with a serious energy crisis . Many professional plumbers have completed training in various “ green ” plumbing fields . This is so that they are better able to service the high demand for sustainable plumbing solutions , while also honing and expanding their skills to ensure that they are always relevant .
IOPSA and the Plumbing Industry Registration Board ( PIRB ), the voluntary professional body of the South African plumbing industry , continue to promote the ARPL programme . By recognising prior knowledge , skills and competencies through proper assessment processes , ARPL makes it possible for individuals who acquired their learning outside traditional education and training to attain a certification . Conventionally , professional plumbers have completed a 3-year post-matric qualification at a National Qualification Framework
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline September 2022 Volume 28 I Number 7