New Industry Engagement Officer connects plumbing industry with TasTAFE learners

TasTAFE and the Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania (MPAT) have partnered to deliver a new role focusing on supporting current and future tradespeople.

MPAT’s Natalie Kingston is the plumbing industry’s inaugural Industry Engagement Officer, based out of TasTAFE’s Clarence Campus with the Plumbing Delivery Team.

Supported by the Tasmanian Government’s High-Vis Army Program, Natalie will support TasTAFE learners by working closely with industry.

“My new role allows me to speak to the plumbing industry about the training here at TasTAFE and provide feedback so we can close any gaps between what is being taught and what is needed in industry.

“Ensuring systems and frameworks are supporting each other will set learners up for success.”

TasTAFE Interim CEO Will McShane welcomed Natalie to her new role.

“On behalf of everyone at TasTAFE, I warmly welcome Natalie to the role of Industry Engagement Officer.

“Partnering with peak industry bodies such as Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania enables TasTAFE to increase workforce awareness, attraction and retention in Tasmania’s plumbing industry,” Will said.

Will welcomed the Hon. Felix Ellis MP, Minister for Skills and Training, to TasTAFE’s Water and Trades Centre of Excellence recently and introduced the Minister to Natalie, third-year apprentice plumber Matt Munro, and representatives from TasTAFE and Skills Tasmania.

“The High-Vis Army program – which now includes sparkies and plumbers – is key to building the workforce that will build Tasmania,” Minister Ellis said.

“As a plumber by trade, it was fantastic to join TasTAFE and Master Plumbers at the Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence, seeing firsthand the opportunities in the industry for young people.”