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Last edition we asked for feedback from our readers about the application of “design” in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying qualifications. The common thread for feedback formed more of a question than a solution. That question was “is it design or is it the application of knowledge and experience, along with the codes, regulations and legislation?”
Design work is more than applying knowledge and skills to such a degree that when “Restricted Building Work” came into effect a specific Licensed Building Practitioner Class was created for design.
It would seem to us that some in our industry are attempting to create a qualification for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers that is already covered by legislation. If design is included in our qualifications - will it actually mean anything and what will be the ongoing ramifications of insurance and liability? Will it also comply with the legislation or will it require another visit to the Regulations Review Committee?
Throughout the years people have commented on the way the Federation operates and not everyone agree with its tactics but in reality we are concerned only what our member’s think. We want to get a job done and we don’t want to wait for decades for change. This is election year so get involved and have your say. Vote for those that show an interest in our industry and qualifications. So far that is no one.
As always send us your thoughts and ideas.
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So Wal,
Are you suggesting the Federation take Skills or the PGDB to task legally over the inclusion of Design? Is this another trip to a RRC hearing? You raise some very thought provoking things in this newsletter - I'd be very interested in any feedback you've received. I'm guessing that apprentices should be taking real note of the potential changes to this qualification as it affects them most of all. Wouldn't it simply have been easier to extend the apprenticeship from 4 to say 5 years and cover off these topics in one qualification? My concern is the introduction of this new Level 5 will lead to increased costs as it becomes a formal course of study. Quite different to what happens now
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Yes Jaxcat we need to do something otherwise the industry will again be stuck with qualifications that are not fit for purpose. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to qualify people who are competent to do the trade in which they have trained. Currently our industry is saying Licensed/Tradespeople are a little bit competent but need to get more experience while under supervision. Everyone seems to be forgetting the two years of experience gathering is not part of an apprenticeship and must be paid for by the tradesperson. It would have been quite easy to include that experience gathering time as part of the apprenticeship. The inclusion of design is adding in a concept at a cost to the Licensed/tradepeople and no one seems to be able to tell the Federation what this so called design will include apart from a step up from what is currently taught.
Here is a simple question -what extra training have those that are pushing for the inclusion of design done? Everyone I have spoken to have said NONE but have got the skills from experience so it would seem we have to teach experience!. It seems to us that we should train people in the apprenticeship so they qualify competent to work unsupervised and are responsible for their own work. Training from the ITO needs to lift so it is in fact training.