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Purpose

The graduates will demonstrate knowledge, skills, competencies and experiences in workplace health and safety, workplace communication, tools and equipment, materials and plumbing resources, installing and servicing water systems; sanitary systems; drainage systems and roofing. 

They will demonstrate competencies in safe and correct use of plumbing tools and equipment, interpret plans and calculate quantity and cost, use range of materials for various applications, design and fabricate including range of welding applications and install, inspect and service systems according to specification and standard, carryout problem diagnosis and correctly apply adjustments and remedial works, testing and evaluating the outcomes whether it is a success or re-design another problem diagnosis procedure. It maximizes safety consciousness of the graduates about their working environment and the homes, fellow workers and their personal safety. The industry, employers and communities appreciate the standard services demonstrated by the graduates.

For further training, this qualification provides sound opportunities for those who may wish to pursue further education and training in the field of Plumbing and Engineering both at the local and international institutions and industries.

Rationale

This qualification is developed as a part of TIST series of qualifications in its mandate to respond and align training with the National Strategic Development Plan and Industry Demands. 

The Tongan Government highlighted in its Tonga Strategic Development Framework (TSDF II) the needs for appropriate skilling its workforce to meet available opportunities in Tonga and overseas.

The TSDF II emphasized to “Appropriately skilled the workforce to meet the available opportunities in Tonga and overseas, by delivering improved Technical and Vocational Education and Training”.

In the TSDF Strategy Concepts, it continues saying: “Promoting skills development through appropriate development of domestic training institutions, and mobilization of external training opportunities”. 

With the National TVET Policy Framework 2013 – 2017, Strategic Goals states; Training focused on improving national productivity and development of the quality of training outcomes

Tonga Skills identified high demand for improved plumbing skills across the country.

There are not enough qualified Plumbers in Tonga. Tonga has a desperate need for skilled and competent plumbers who can deal with the environmental issues specific to Tonga. The Construction Industry and communities needs both general and specialize plumbers to correctly and safely install, service and maintain plumbing systems according to standard. To meet the demand for plumbers, TIST is working closely with Tonga Skills and it has with APTC developed and offered a quality plumbing training program with a Certificate (Trade) Level 4 Qualification.

The graduates of this qualification will be able to:

a.         Incorporate theoretical knowledge and practice in the application of workplace health & safety which enables safe and efficient work practices and respond effectively to hazards, risks, emergencies and first aid situations in the workshop and in any other workplaces.

b.         Communicate with clients, colleagues and others using effective and appropriate communication techniques with consideration of cultural differences.

c.         Follow instructions and understand, interpret and apply Regulatory, Legislative, Licensing and Organizational requirements, Environmental and WHS requirements, Codes and Standard, plans, drawings and specifications, schedules, load tables, design, organizational policies and procedures.

d.         Work as part of a team and provide assistance and encouragement to other team members. Work with others to prepare work plan and sequence tasks and apply measurements and calculations using appropriate equipment, formulas and records as required.

e.         Investigate and identify plumbing measuring tools, hand tools, power tools, machines, and testing equipment and recommend the safe and the most appropriate tools and equipment for different practical applications.

f.          Identify technological trends and carry out pre/post operational checks on tools and equipment, and perform tools, equipment and system maintenance as required.

g.         Design, fabricate, set out, and install openings and enclosures. Plan drainage system layouts and residential sanitary plumbing systems, carry out levelling, prioritize and sequence tasks and apply time management skills to ensure work is completed in time requirements, install trench support, install below ground sanitary drainage systems and disposal systems.

h.         Design, fabricate, set out, install and adjust a range of water service, regulating devices and variety of pumps, systems, components and appliances. Install, test and maintain fire protection installation and component assemblies.

i.          Design, fabricate covering for roof shapes and structures, set out, erect and dismantle scaffolding, ensure worksite safety, install roof coverings with appropriate fasteners.

j.          Recognize responsibilities, quality, requirements and complete work to standard and clean work area including tools and equipment.

k.         Investigate systems by performing tests on types and models and their applications and identify faults and problems and perform test, rectify, locate and clear blockages be able to explain and compare the functions and purposes of systems and components.

Graduates from this qualification will be able to work in the construction industry as a professional tradesman. Occupation titles may include:

  • Plumber
  • Plumber and drainer
  • Roof plumber

The successful graduate from this program will be a competent tradesman with well-developed employability skills.