ASSOCIATIONS 3
Notes from the Lands Down Under
By
Steve Brown, IOPSA executive director
A recent trip to New Zealand and Australia proved to be a bittersweet eye-opener.
We have always measured ourselves against overseas associations and how they do things. It’ s something a lot of industries do, and many South Africans in general. There seems to be this idea that what is being done overseas is so much better than what is being done in our own country. The reality can be a bit of a mixed bag.
We had our first exploratory meeting with Mates in Construction while we were there. This organisation is dedicated to promoting good mental health among tradesmen and to offer them support if they are struggling mentally and emotionally. This is undoubtedly a topic we don’ t talk about enough in the plumbing industry. We look forward to working with them in the future.
I met with master plumbers in both Australia and New Zealand, and they do some great work. The thing that was interesting was how things in the state of Victoria( which was used as the model on which PIRB was built) has changed – and not for the better. The lack of enforcement has had a huge negative impact on the industry.
Of concern was complex work, which was where plumbers designed, quoted and installed projects and these guys don’ t have the skills to do as much as we have here in SA. And believe it or not, some plumbers were sitting with over 300 certificates not logged. So yes, they have their issues with a lack of enforcement.
Training is phenomenal. Visiting the training centre was certainly a highlight. It was insightful to see the possibilities of what can be done when it comes to training. There were designated, specific areas for back flow prevention vacuum pump drainage systems, welding, sprinkler systems, thermostatic mixing valves, general plumbing installation modular training and even thermal water heating. I was blown away with the level of training provided to apprentices.
Finally, I went to Bunnings – a large hardware chain store – and was surprised to see notices on shelves stating that it is illegal for a nonplumber to install plumbing material. Imagine my astonishment that I was able to go in and buy a hot water cylinder – without having to prove I was a plumber! PA
“ There seems to be this idea that what is being done overseas is so much better than what is being done in our own country.”
© Plumbing Africa
Interestingly enough, back flow prevention and the servicing of these valves is taken seriously, and these must be serviced every year. Plumbers must record these services and follow up for future work. This is also done with thermostatic mixing valves.
Domestic heat pump training in those countries is only now being rolled out for plumbers and apprentices. As you are all aware, this has been done for years in SA.
Self-certification is now going to be done in New Zealand, and we discussed possible ways in which we could possibly assist from a South African perspective, which is something we will further explore going forward.
What also stood out is what we, as IOPSA, provide our members – for example, our LMS platform, technical training, marketing platforms and frequent meetings across the country.
Steve Brown, IOPSA executive director.
October 2025 Volume 31 I Number 08 www. plumbingafrica. co. za