BUSINESS AND TRAINING 17
Plumbing Academy opens in Port Shepstone
By
Tanya Olckers
The Plumbing Academy opened its doors in Port Shepstone and brings eager students a chance to immerse themselves in the world of plumbing .
Karmen and Mehan Sewpersadh have been in the plumbing industry for 25 years . Through the years they have gathered a wealth of experience and knowledge and they have decided to share that with aspiring plumbers and those seeking to get their plumbing qualifications .
In March 2024 , The Plumbing Academy was launched in Port Shepstone , KwaZulu-Natal , with the express purpose of helping plumbers achieve their qualification goals .
“ We have reached a stage in our career where we wanted to contribute to the industry ,” says Karmen Sewpersadh . “ Over the years we realised that there are many plumbers practising plumbing and don ' t know how to obtain the required training and qualifications . The training academy will help these plumbers to achieve their qualifications .”
Having a qualification behind your name opens far more doors in trade . “ You are recognised as a person who knows and understands the trade therefore homeowners will prefer to work with you ,” says Karmen .
She also remarks that with a qualification , plumbers can be affiliated with industry boards
Karmen and Mehan Sewpersadh . such as IOPSA , and PIRB . “ Your standing in the industry improves substantially ,” she says . PA
Supplied by Karmen Sewpersadh
The Plumbing Academy has 12 students enrolled at the moment and they offer courses ranging from Basic Plumbing ( which takes 15 working days to complete ) to Comprehensive Plumbing ( 45 working days ). They also help their students take the plumbing trade test and do artisan recognition of prior learning ( ARPL ) for those already working in plumbing .
“ The aim is to help to train learners who are having a tough time finding employment in the job market .”
They also offer plumbing apprenticeships which are 12 weeks per year over a three-year period . This includes onsite training with plumbing companies . They also provide a 10-day and 15-day pre-trade test revision course to help students get ready for that all important big test .
The Academy is based at Lot 44 , Izotsha Road , Izotsha , Port Shepstone , KwaZulu-Natal . The location of the learning institution was chosen so that it would be accessible to the local community . The aim is to help to train learners who are having a tough time finding employment in the job market . A qualification in plumbing could indeed help them move forward with their job searches .
“ Learners who are looking to take up a trade don ’ t have the funds required to go too far for training facilities ,” says Karmen . “ They often face travel and travel and accommodation issues if they have to travel for learning . Having a training facility nearby will help improve the work quality of the plumbers . Young school leavers , who are unable to further their tertiary education due to financial constraints , have another option .”
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Learning the ins and outs of plumbing .
June 2024 Volume 30 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za