TasTAFE plumbing learners build their industry networks
Published on: 03 Jun 2025
On 21 May at TasTAFE’s Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence, graduates from the Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) course presented examples of their work to employers and plumbing industry representatives.
Jake Murphy, TasTAFE Plumbing Teacher, and Mark Geeves, Education Manager – Plumbing Trades and Built Environment, joined the learners and employers for a BBQ lunch.
“In the Cert II we work through all the hand skills and the basic terminology across the different areas of plumbing,” Jake said. “So the learners get a base spread across the whole of the industry.
“The aim now is to get the learners an apprenticeship. So we wanted to get them together today and invite some employers to come and look at their work – and promote it as best we could across the industry.”
Shane Reardon was at the event – Commercial Development Manager with Reece, statewide sponsor of the TasTAFE Trade Excellence Awards.
“Reece’s involvement today gives the learners an idea of our side of the industry,” Shane said. “We're suppliers – so if these guys do get an apprenticeship, it gives them a good understanding of what’s happening behind the scenes with their supplier.
“The other part of our involvement is we're always looking for quality people ourselves – and we’re here to support the industry. If we can help some up-and-coming plumbers, we’re helping our industry at the end of the day.”
Learner Bon Mbinga has been in Tasmania for 5 years, after leaving his career as safari guide in Tanzania. He’s hoping to make a new start as a plumber.
“I've always liked to do things at home: doing my own gardening, my lawn mowing, my edges…,” Bon said. “Then one time I had a plumber come to my house, and I saw how they did their job…and it was so impressive!
“As a mature-age student, I needed to catch-up on some things a little bit… But the TasTAFE teachers were always there to give you a hand. It was a very good experience.
“From here, my hope is to get an apprenticeship. Because TasTAFE is well known, the employers are happy to speak with me – they value what we've been doing here.”
The 14-week course – part of the Fee-Free TAFE program – will run 2 more times in 2025, in Hobart and Burnie.
Interested in applying? See the Plumbing information on our website for more.
