Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre

PICAC is proud to announce that our Australian competitors have excelled at the United Association of Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs International Apprentice Competition held in Ann Arbor, USA, a rigorous 5-day event featuring 32 top apprentices from the United States, Canada, and Australia. Representing Australia in the international contest were Sam Barnes, a Plumbing Apprentice from The Service Trades College and employed by Axis Plumbing, and James Rigas, a Sprinkler Fitting Apprentice from Fire Industry Training and employed by Rethus Fire Protection. Both Sam and James were finalists in the PICAC Apprentice Skills Competition held earlier this year at our Brunswick campus, and they have performed incredibly well on the international stage. Special congratulations to James Rigas, who took home the Allyn Parmenter and George Bliss UA Directors of Training Award! This honour is bestowed upon the apprentice contestant who demonstrates exceptional leadership and embodies the ideals set forth by the United Association’s Standard for Excellence. James has certainly demonstrated these qualities, showcasing not only his technical expertise but also his commitment to the values that define our industry. Well done, Sam and James! You’ve made Australia and your industry proud. 🇦🇺

Heat pump water heaters must be installed in well-ventilated areas, typically outdoors. The installation of heat pump water heaters below covered clearances is a compliance issue that has been identified in audits undertaken by the VBA. Learn more about the safe and compliant installation of heat pumps by visiting the VBA website: https://bit.ly/3zWkPqR

PICAC is thrilled to announce that the QLD Government has committed $15 million to build a cutting-edge skills and training facility in Townsville. This new PICAC hub will be transformative for the region, driving the workforce needed to power North Queensland’s green hydrogen industry and beyond. The facility will offer a full spectrum of training – from apprenticeship programs to advanced courses in emerging technologies like hydrogen and renewable gases. This is a vital step in meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s clean energy and construction sectors. As the first of its kind in regional Queensland, this Townsville hub will provide local workers with world-class training, allowing them to seize the opportunities created in the push to decarbonise the Queensland economy. PICAC CEO Shayne La Combre highlighted that this project will "deliver high-quality training locally, where it's most needed, with the flexibility to tailor programs to industry demands. This facility will be a key hub for developing future skills, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth in the region."

Our managers and lead plumbers attended the ‘Demystifying Heat Pumps’ training delivered by the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre over the past few weeks. The free one-day training course is open to registered, licensed and 4th year apprentice plumbers and is funded by Solar Victoria. #plumbing #netzero #heatpumps #masterplumbers

Explore the Upskilling Plumbers Heat Pump Program today! https://lnkd.in/g3XqmP_6

Check out the latest updates in PICAC's July newsletter! Stay informed with news from PICAC and exciting developments in our industry. Click here to read: https://lnkd.in/gcUtvqj7

Free Upskilling Opportunity for Victorian Plumbers! PICAC is delivering a 1-Day Heat Pump Training course - Level up your skills and stay ahead in the industry   📅 Training sessions available throughout August and September  📍 Locations: PICAC Brunswick and Narre Warren Campuses Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3XqmP_6

Exciting news from the PICAC Glenwood campus! Today, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the establishment of the $25 million Hydrogen Centre of Excellence. Premier Minns made the announcement alongside Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan and Minister for Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment Penny Sharpe. The Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at PICAC Glenwood will offer premier training for apprentices and workers, preparing them for opportunities in new and emerging fields such as hydrogen - sectors that will be essential in the push to decarbonise our economy. The upgraded facilities at PICAC Glenwood campus will feature spacious workshops and classrooms where apprentices will receive hands-on training with hydrogen equipment, such as electrolysers, advanced gas fitting techniques, and essential safety protocols. The construction of the centre will employ over 100 apprentices and create 500 construction jobs, significantly supporting employment in western Sydney. This project is the result of an innovative industry and government partnership aimed at equipping the workforce of the future with vital skills in specialised fire protection, carbon reduction technologies, and advanced gas fitting. PICAC CEO Shayne La Combre highlighted the significance of this initiative that was unveiled today: “This world-leading project showcases the power of industry collaboration in equipping apprentices with essential skills for current and future job markets.”

We're proud to share that the World Plumbing Council is offering THREE scholarships to boost your career: 🔧 The Education Scholarship for applicants in developed countries 🔧 The Education Scholarship for applicants in least-developed countries 🎓 Instructor Training Program Scholarship for aspiring trainers! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with global experts, learn innovative techniques, and enhance your career. Apply by September 30, 2024 and be sure to share with a friend or family member: https://lnkd.in/dpzTnaD

Today is World Youth Skills Day.   Having access to quality training makes workers and sites safer.    We recently caught up with plumbing apprentice Harry who is doing his training at Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre.   He told us about how much he’d learned – about the mates that he’d met and how it’s setting him up for the future.    Over the last year we’ve invested over $21 million in training making the industry a safer place to work.    You can hear Harry’s story here: https://lnkd.in/gw4pN4P6