WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition: Spotlight on Plumbing and Heating in Australia
Tom Roberts, Global Director of PMG for the Code Council, was invited to participate as a judge of the Australian Capital Territory plumbing and heating competition. The competition, held every two years, is designed to identify and nurture the best talent in the plumbing and heating industry.
The WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions are celebrated events that showcase the talents of apprentices and students across various trades and skills. The competition, held every two years, is designed to identify and nurture the best talent in the plumbing and heating industry.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) competition is just the beginning for many aspiring plumbers. The top performers at the National Championships, which will be held in Brisbane in 2025, may have the chance to represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in 2026.
This year, Tom Roberts, Global Director of PMG, International Code Council, was again invited to participate as a judge of the ACT plumbing and heating competition.
The competition plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of skilled plumbers who will contribute to the growth and development of the industry.
Showcasing Precision and Problem-Solving in the PMG Industry
Participants in the ACT competition faced a variety of challenging tasks, including the installation of different types of plastic pipe and fittings and welding and bending copper pipes. These tasks tested each competitor’s skills in installation, accuracy and adherence to specifications.
The competition is not just about technical skills; it also emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and time management. Competitors must work efficiently within five hours to complete their projects, demonstrating their ability to handle real-world plumbing challenges under pressure.
The Code Council was proud to host a celebration for the ACT competition in Canberra where the winner was announced, and prizes were given to the top three contestants.
The local training organization, Canberra Institute of Technology, provided an overview of the competition and led the celebrations for the students and competitors.
The celebration provided the opportunity for students and competitors to connect with industry professionals, teachers, employers and fellow competitors.
The event was a fantastic showcase of talent and the bright future of plumbing and heating in Australia.
American Plumber Stories – Australian Premiere
Combined with the celebration of the WorldSkills Australia regional competition, the Code Council also hosted the Australian premiere of the first international episode of American Plumber Stories.
The event highlighted the shared mission of the Code Council and American Plumber Stories to promote the plumbing industry to the next generation of professionals. The series features compelling stories of plumbers who have transformed their lives through their trade and showcases the inspiring journeys of plumbers.
Now on its fifth season, the show now highlights international plumbers from Australia and Canada as well as Hawaii, Alaska, California and more. Read a behind-the-scenes Q&A with American Plumber Stories here.
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About the Author
Tom Roberts is the Director of PMG Global operations with the International Code Council. Prior to this role, Tom was the Director responsible for the Plumbing Code of Australia with the Australian Building Codes Board. Tom is also the chair of Standards Australia’s WS-014 committee responsible for the AS/NZS 3500 series of Australian and New Zealand Standards.
