A plumbing apprentice from Sydney is using the skills he’s learnt at TAFE NSW to help build crucial facilities in growing regional communities across the state.

Regional NSW's population is forecast to increase by 570,000 people to 3.7 million in the next 17 years, bringing with it increased demand for educational institutions, sporting facilities, and other community amenities.

This comes at a time when almost 2,000 new plumbers are forecast to join the industry annually, to help service the population boom. TAFE NSW is helping meet the demand for these vital workers through the plumbing courses it offers.

Second year apprentice Brady Dawson is one of the plumbers taking advantage of job opportunities by studying a Certificate III in Plumbing (General Plumber) at TAFE NSW Meadowbank. As part of his apprenticeship, Mr Dawson has been working at sites in regional NSW.

“I’ve been upgrading buildings and installing new facilities at schools and sports and recreation centres in regional communities, including at Inverell, Wellington, Tamworth, and Forbes,” Mr Dawson said.

“It’s been a valuable experience working outside my local area, meeting people in other communities, and liaising with stakeholders. It’s exposed me to different situations and challenges that have all helped in my growth as a plumber.

“I’m also working on commercial sites in Greater Sydney, particularly apartments in West Ryde, Castle Hill, Bankstown, and Kellyville. I’ve been using my skills to help build new homes in areas where there’s a lot of development and people moving into.

“There’s a significant need for housing, so to be able to contribute to addressing the challenge and building solutions is something I really enjoy and am proud of.”

Mr Dawson said studying at TAFE NSW has helped prepare him for the workforce.

“I wanted to be a plumber to learn both practical and life skills, so I can build a career for myself that’s meaningful and worthwhile,” he said.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has given me the skills I need to succeed in the industry and make a difference. Having access to the best facilities, like those at TAFE NSW Meadowbank, has helped make the learning process easier for me and has given me a wide range of practical skills to do the job I want.

TAFE NSW Plumbing Head Teacher Luke Mowen said plumbers will play a critical role in addressing the housing shortage.

“TAFE NSW is delivering a pipeline of workers to meet the growing demand for plumbers,” he said.

“Our students receive the real-world skills they need to get the job they want and help them succeed.

“Just as importantly, Brady’s experience highlights how our students are using what they learn to make a real difference in the community.”

Mr Dawson hopes his career will bring positive outcomes for others, saying, “Over my career I hope I can look back on the job I’ve done, see what I’ve built, see what I’ve established, and feel proud that the practical skills I learnt at TAFE NSW are making a positive impact in the community.”

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au