TasTAFE and MPAT appoint new Industry Engagement Officer

Industry Engagement Officer Stacey Joseph: “I’ve always been a strong supporter of TasTAFE and the important role it plays in developing both current and future workforces.”

TasTAFE and the Master Plumbers Association Tasmania (MPAT) have appointed Stacey Joseph to its Industry Engagement Officer role to improve outcomes for plumbing learners by strengthening the connection between TasTAFE training and industry needs.

“This role is a great opportunity to broaden my experience and contribute positively by bringing my background in workforce development and engagement into a new industry context,” Stacey said.

“Industry engagement within the VET sector is something I’m particularly passionate about, as strong collaboration helps ensure training aligns with industry need.

“I’ve always been a strong supporter of TasTAFE and the important role it plays in developing both current and future workforces.”

Stacey said feedback from industry about the role has been very positive– particularly in relation to the statewide industry forums delivered last year.

“These sessions provided valuable opportunities for businesses to connect, share insights, and hear directly from key stakeholders about developments impacting the sector,” Stacey said.

Looking ahead, Stacey’s focus will be on building a sustainable and practical model for industry engagement with both schools and TasTAFE plumbing programs – including developing a regional database of plumbing employers who are interested in supporting activities such as school engagement, work placements and industry tours.

“The aim is to make it easier for businesses to get involved in ways that suit their capacity, while also increasing exposure to the industry for potential apprentices,” Stacey said.

“A key part of this work is understanding any barriers to participation and identifying practical ways to address them. I’m also keen to continue supporting employers with tools and strategies that help strengthen on-the-job training and apprentice development.”

Over the next 12 months, Stacey is looking to achieve:

• a statewide database of plumbing employers engaged in a range of activities, from career promotion through to work placements and training support
• a suite of practical, easy-to-use resources to support supervisors in providing effective on-the-job training for apprentices; and
• continued development of pre-employment pathways that strengthen learner readiness and support more successful transitions into apprenticeships.

“Plumbing continues to be a strong and growing career pathway in Tasmania, with demand for qualified tradespeople – including roof plumbers and gas fitters – remaining high,” Stacey said.

“Employers are seeing solid interest in apprenticeships, although the readiness of applicants can vary. By continuing to strengthen pathways and support areas such as employability skills, literacy and numeracy, both TasTAFE and industry can work together to support more learners to successfully enter and complete apprenticeships.”

The Industry Engagement Officer role was established in 2025 supported by the Tasmanian Government’s High-Vis Army Program. The role is based at TasTAFE’s Clarence Campus – home of the Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence.

Learning a trade is a skill for life. Find out about the training options available at TasTAFE to pursue a career in plumbing.