ASSOCIATIONS 7
Level 4 and the necessary industry-related plumbing training before writing a trade test .
Individuals who have worked for at least four years in the industry can apply to undergo ARPL to attain a qualification . Checklists and phase assessments are used to determine candidates ’ readiness to write their trade tests . If limitations in their knowledge are identified , candidates are provided the opportunity to complete gap training . Once candidates have completed this instruction , a technical Portfolio of Evidence can be compiled and used to recommend them for trade testing .
However , the ARPL programme has its limitations . Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies ( TIPS ), which recently undertook extensive research into the efficacy and the limitations of the ARPL in addressing “ informality ” of the sector and the shortage of qualified plumbers , has provided recommendations to improve the system .
Among the hurdles identified are the costs involved in participating in the ARPL . This inhibits many self-employed individuals in the informal industry from participating . TIPS , therefore , suggests that the Department of Higher Education and Training ( DHET ), the Sector Education and Training Authorities and the National Artisan Moderation Body work towards removing the cost of the ARPL entirely . Another alternative is to offer a subsidy or incentive to make the programme more affordable . In efforts to remove the cost barrier , IOPSA , PIRB and Harambee offer fully funded ARPL training with trade tests .
IOPSA
ARPL could be extended to enable more individuals to access decent , secure and better paying jobs in the formal plumbing industry .
be able to ensure that the programme is able to play an even greater role in addressing the ‘ informality ’ of the profession and dire shortage of qualified plumbers ,” Reynolds concludes .
Editor ' s comment : Plumbing Africa , whilst accepting the needs to continually beat this drum , we are also showing the successes which will sell the story far better than talking about it . So let us have your success stories . We are also working with Blu Lever Education in this regard . PA
TIPS also suggests that education and skills bodies , TVET colleges , Quality Council for Trades and Occupations ( QCTO ) and DHET work with industry to find alternatives to the Red Seal QCTO qualification . For example , individuals could qualify to become assistant plumbers . This approach will ensure that skilled individuals in the formal market who do not pass the trade test can still access decent employment opportunities .
Meanwhile , TIPS has recommended that IOPSA and PIRB continue to encourage the formal industry to register unqualified employees for the ARPL . This includes making them aware of the benefits of the programme and the importance of having qualified employees . Although training is beneficial for both employers and employees , some companies are still reluctant to send members of their teams for ARPL . Some employers cannot afford the time it takes for employees to undergo several processes before they are ready to write their trade tests . There are also companies that do not want to pay the higher wages that qualified employees command . Some employers are also concerned that employees will leave the company once they are qualified to start trading on their own . This means that they will lose skills and incur costs replacing them , while also having to compete against more qualified plumbers in the formal market .
“ Both IOPSA and PIRB are proud of the part that we have played thus far in helping to transform the South African plumbing industry through , among other initiatives , ARPL . We have made immense strides in promoting ARPL against the professional designation over the years . However , with the help of other important industry stakeholders , we will
September 2022 Volume 28 I Number 7 www . plumbingafrica . co . za