All cisterns go: Young Plumbers Club
Hundreds of tradies are sharpening their tools for the Plumbing World Young Plumber of the Year (YPOTY) competition.
With the chronic skills shortage facing the industry, estimated to be around 3500, Plumbing World’s CEO Rob Kidd says the competition is a way to showcase plumbing as a career, and attract new people to the trade.
“There are more than 8000 people working as plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand, but it’s not enough to meet demand. The current workforce does not have the capacity to keep up with normal workload, let alone the extensive repair work resulting from the recent natural disasters,” he says.
Back for a fifth year, competitors from Northland to Southland will vie for the prestigious Young Plumber of the Year title through a series of regional events culminating in the national final in November.
“The opportunity for Kiwis to build a fantastic career in the trades has never been better,” says Rob. “With the aging of the plumbing workforce it’s crucial our young plumbers get the support they need and for those willing to work and complete their qualifications, the path to business ownership is a very real possibility. We need to fill the pipeline with a high calibre of tradespeople who can contribute to the country’s economy, and address our industry’s skills shortage.”
Competition details and registration forms are on this website.
