Amid Western Sydney’s construction boom, a Sydney plumber has turned to TAFE NSW to equip him with essential leadership and management skills to grow his family’s business, which has operated for over 30 years.  

Nick Rodgers completed a TAFE NSW Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management and said it has given him the skills to take over the reins of his family business, One Call Plumbing Services, which his father just retired from. Now, he’s calling on other new business owners to also invest in their professional and personal development.  

Nick said with the hands-on skills he gained throughout the course, he hopes to lead and expand the family business by broadening their scope of works to include all facets of plumbing, from residential, to commercial and industrial projects in West and North-West Sydney Regions.

Nick said: “I’ve always been a hands-on learner which is why I love being a plumber but the course provided managerial skills like leading diverse teams, managing a budget, as well as developing financial and operational plans that has helped me become an effective business owner. 

“The course moved online during COVID-19, which I valued because I was able to run the business, and have my TAFE NSW teachers there at the click of a button, all while looking after my newborn daughter,” he said. 

Nick said the course was helpful particularly during tax time as it also provided him with the financial skills to manage the business. 

“I have just bought a house, so I’ve been able to apply the practical skills and experience from my course to all aspects of my life,” Nick said. 

Leadership and management skills are highly sought after by employers, with a TAFE Enterprise Skills and Australian Business Report revealing almost half of businesses identified management and leadership training as a top area of focus for training investments last year 

TAFE NSW Team Leader in Business Services, Karen Robertson, said the Leadership and Management course provided practical skills highly sought after by employers. 

“The nationally recognised Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management gives students the tools and strategies to lead an organisation toward success,” Ms Robertson said. 

“Whether you’re a plumber or work in the corporate sector these are skills employers are increasingly looking for, particularly off the back of a pandemic where leadership and management has been paramount to a business’ ability to operate.” 

To enrol in a leadership and management course at TAFE NSW, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/business-and-management-courses or call 131 601 

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW MEdia and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.