Springvale resident James Webster has thrown everything but the kitchen sink into finding a plumbing apprenticeship. Picture: Stewart Chambers.
By Glen Atwell
JAMES Webster would go to “the moon and back” to secure a plumbing apprenticeship.
The 17-year-old Springvale resident says he has applied to more than 190 tradesmen and companies without any success.
But each knockback only makes James more determined.
The year 12 student is now regularly spending time in the careers office at Heatherhill Secondary College calling potential employers.
He made more than 40 calls in a day.
James said the tradesmen he has approached for an apprenticeship either had no time to discuss the issue or wanted someone with some experience.
“I did get hung up on a fair bit,” he said.
“Some plumbers say they aren’t busy enough to warrant taking on an apprentice, yet never have the time to talk to about it.”
James must now enrol in a TAFE-based pre-apprenticeship course to increase his chances of employment.
But he faces a lengthy delay.
“Including the waiting period, it will take eight months to get the Certificate II in Plumbing.
“That’s a long time when I’m spending most of my days looking for work,” James said.
Heatherhill Secondary College careers teacher Wayne Danson said James was dedicated about finding a plumbing apprenticeship before he left school.
“Employers these days usually want a driver’s licence and a pre-apprenticeship, both of which James doesn’t have.
“Calling plumbers directly is a good way to get started but you need a bit of luck,” Mr Danson said.
“Most students I know who have left school to take on a full-time adult apprenticeship have connections in the family, but for someone without those connections, it’s hard work.”
Ree Paduano from Link Employment and Training in Dandenong said getting a plumbing apprenticeship in the local area was often a case of good luck.
“There are jobs out there but sometimes it is a case of being in the right place at the right time,” she said.
“It just depends what skills an employer is looking for.”
Ms Paduano, a group training team leader, said completing a plumbing pre-apprenticeship was now a prerequisite with some employers.
“It’s hard to find an apprenticeship without one, the main reason being that it shows the employer that the apprentice is sure they want to work in the trade and aren’t going to change their mind after a month or so,” Ms Paduano said.
Enrolling in the pre-apprenticeship course is almost as difficult as the course itself.
Chisholm Institute in Dandenong offers the Certificate II in Plumbing, a 14-week course designed to prepare students for an apprenticeship in the industry.
But a surge in interest means prospective students must endure a selection process and a five-month wait before starting.
Chisholm Institute communication manager Brenda Pritchard said the course was offered throughout the year and operated a continuous waiting list system.
“Students who are interested in completing the program are advised to contact the institute and ensure their name and contact details are on the program listing,” she said. “A short interview and a basic literacy and numeracy assessment are required before entering the program.”
James’ mother, Carmel, said her son was having a hard time finding anyone willing to give him a chance.
“What happened to the days when tradesmen would just take on an apprentice and give someone a go?” she said. “There is so much red tape these days and so much paperwork, it’s very difficult.”
