FITTING THOUGHT 1
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Learning and growth
By
Tanya Olckers, Writer
Things change and so should we. Keeping up with what’ s new in the industry and developing oneself is an ongoing endeavour.
My dad was a wise man. When I was in my teens, he told me that the only things we truly possess are our health and our knowledge. And knowledge, he said, was the one thing that no one could steal from us.
He grew up with little money, having to drop out of school after grade 11 because his parents couldn’ t afford to buy the blazer he was required to wear in matric. Years later, at 33, he finally got his matric. He didn’ t allow his dream of a better education die. To him, education meant opportunity, an escape from poverty and the ticket to personal and professional growth.
He instilled these values in both my sister and me. My sister, in turn, taught them to her son.
What does this have to do with plumbing, exactly? Well. There are opportunities for learning and growth within the industry. How much opportunity are you offering yourself? Or your staff? There is a common idea in the industry that if one trains up one’ s staff, they will leave. I mentioned this conundrum one morning over coffee to Coach Craig. His response was,“ Yes, but what if they stay?”
When I asked him to elaborate, he explained that the employee could be making mistakes or could be unmotivated because of lack of training and may perceive themselves as being undervalued. Does the business owner actually want someone on their staff who isn’ t keen to be there in the first place, or who lacks knowledge of how to carry out specific tasks?
Research shows that employees who are given training feel more valued by their employer. They feel that they have expanded their skills and knowledge. As a result, they are more inclined to stay because a good boss is one who invests in their staff.
That said, once again I highlight the number of courses, training days and workshops that are available in the plumbing industry. From installation training and ARPL initiatives offered by bodies such as IOPSA to how to use a specific supplier’ s products. The possibilities are out there, and they are available for you, the business owner and your staff.
Training strengthens your own knowledge and introduces you to new skills and technology. It helps your staff feel valued and gives them confidence in their work. Give yourself and your staff a gift that can never be stolen: knowledge. PA
Tanya
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June 2025 Volume 31 I Number 04 www. plumbingafrica. co. za