A new certificate from Manukau Institute of Technology will address the critical shortage of qualified plumbers across the Counties Manukau region.
The MIT Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting (Level 3) has been developed in response to a demand from the plumbing industry for training to be offered in this region.
“There is a shortfall of qualified plumbers in Manukau at the moment to meet the requirements of the rapid development and growth across the region,” according to MIT technology department director Paul Jeurissen.
Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Industry Training Organisation chief executive Elizabeth Valentine agrees.
“We approached MIT to provide training in these sectors. Plumbing is still experiencing a genuine skill shortage. Latest statistics show that current training rates for plumbers and gasfitters are below what is required to meet demand, and we need people training now.”
“Offering additional training through MIT is part of the ITO’s campaign to increase numbers of people in these vital trades,” Ms Valentine says.
“MIT’s certifi cate is an exciting new development for Manukau. It will let people get the grounding and understanding they need before embarking on a plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying apprenticeship.”
Existing plumbing training providers in the wider Auckland region have, meanwhile, been unable to accommodate all potential trainees, Mr Jeurissen says.
“As a result there has been an overflow of trainees who have had to travel outside of Auckland to places like Hamilton for their training. Being able to train at MIT will save people the expense and inconvenience of training out of town.”
MIT received accreditation to offer the new Certificate earlier this month, but this is not a new field for the institute.
“Plumbing used to be one of the institute’s leading programmes, but it was discontinued in 1993 due to a downturn in the industry. We are extremely pleased that we will once again be delivering skilled people to this industry,” Mr Jeurissen says.
The new certificate is a one-year full-time course. The first classes start in February 2007, and enrolments are being taken now.
Focusing on residential plumbing, the certificate covers all aspects of plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing, and will also provide a sound understanding in sanitation, ventilation and water supply.
Offered by industry experienced lecturers in fully-equipped workshops, the programme will provide participants with all the skills needed to enter the industry as an apprentice or trainee.
Once the new programme is running, MIT will continue to develop its content to meet industry demands, and it will explore providing modern apprentice training in plumbing next year, Mr Jeurissen says.
“That is the next stage, and we will tailor these developments based on the needs identified by the ITO and industry.”
For information on apprenticeships in these sectors contact the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying ITO on 0800 277 736.
