I think the Federation are a bunch of idiots!
This stuff about plumbers not being able to read is a joke. If you cant bloody read and write, you really shouldn't be plumbing. You ARE a public health and safety risk. If you cant read or write or are dyslexic you cant keep up with changes in manufacturers instructions or health and safety instructions.
Why are you guys trying to water down the intelligence levels of plumbers by advocating the dumbing down of exams, the removal of the certifying level and people being allowed to have documents read to them in an exam?
Would you want a lawyer or a doctor who couldn't read?
Why are plumbers any different?
I thought the Federations stupidity was highlighted in the Campbell Live show where you said plumbers would be charging lawyers rates just because of a $300 yearly licensing fee, but this article in your newsletter trumps that.

Kerry
Plumber
Christchurch

Spud: When I first read your post I was very angry and had to stop myself from saying what I really thought of your discriminatory comments.  I have calmed down now and say that I agree with Wombles, you seem to have missed the point and are missinformed. A lot of people out there have disabilities and they shouldn't be penalised because of their disability. People learn in different ways, visual, auditory, hands on and there are very clever people out there who use other strengths to make up for their disabilities. I know a lawyer who is blind and I would pick them over any lawyer with vision.

You go on about the Federation trying to dumb down the trade etc. Talking like that sounds like you are not well informed.  What could be any dumber than doing an apprenticeship where you attend 12 weeks of assessments at polytech where they don't teach you anything. What could be dumber than qualifying at the end of an apprenticeship where you can't even apply the trade to which you are trained unless you are supervised. I would say the Federation is pushing for the exact opposite to what you are saying.

I would pit a year two apprentice from 1988 against a licensed plumber now. They had far more knowledge and better workskills than those qualifying now. There is a big difference in being good and thinking you are good. I would say to you Spud to do some more research before putting other people down. Give Wal at the Federation a call and talk to him as perhaps the people you have been listening to are giving you false information.

But Spud I say good on you for saying what you think even if it is misdirected. Good on ya.

Spud do your research mate before you gob off.

I don't think it said anywhere that you should get qualified without being able to read - what it said is that there are a lot of dyslexic people in this industry - that is indeed true.  It is also true that there  are some in the industry who are "slow" readers - this doesn't meant they can't read, it means it takes them longer to read.  The fact is this doesn't made them stupid, dumb or ignorant.  It also doesn't make them bad plumbers, gasfitters or drainlayers.  What it does mean is that they may struggle to complete a three hour exam in three and a half hours.  The other point the article made was that the PGDB made a policy change and did not signal this to industry and that is not acceptable.  These people Spud would be your heros.  The PGDB are fully of people with law degrees and supposedly very learned people - but all this didn't assist them in properly notifying industry of the changes they made.  Is it fair and reasonable to tell someone once they rock up for an exam that the rules have changed?  I don't think so.

You can think what you like about the Federation, that is your right.  The Campbell Live Show talked about things other than $300 licence fees, but spoke of the increased costs of compliance across the industry. 

I believe the Federation has done everything to stop the dumbing down of the trade - and in fact it was not the Federation who tried to water down the qualifications at the SKILLS meetings that are looking at the new qualifications going forward.  They argued for a six year apprenticeship which resulted in everyone being the equivalent of a certifier.  It was other industry representatives that wanted an "out" at Level 3 and 4.  Ignorance is different to  being a slow reader. 

Good Points jax, I would have said it but I am a bit dyslexic.

Seems the Minister isn't the only flip flop in our industry

Spud
Comprehension is a skill all of its own isn't it?  I am NOT advocating dumbing down the trade.  I am NOT advocating giving people who can't read a ticket.  Of course you need to be able to read, there are codes, standards, instructions etc.  What I am saying is that there are many talented plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers who are slow readers.  This does not make them bad tradesmen, nor does it mean they are dumb.  It just means that they are slow readers, not slow plumbers. 

The present examination system does not allow for this.  I think it should.

The Campbell Live show highlighted high compliance costs, not just licence fees.  There is also upskilling (cost of course, cost of time, travel etc) all of which you need to get to the stage where you have the dubious honour of paying the $360 odd dollars in licence fees for one trade or around $700 for three trades.  Knowing how they process these interviews, I am sure there was a considerable amount of footage filmed and discarded to get edited highlights - but I say good on those involved because at least they were highlighting the issues on behalf of all of us. 

You advocate blind plumbers, albeit tongue in cheek - but there is a saying - there are none so blind as those that will not see. 

Each to their own opinion.  I can tell you are passionate about the trade.  Tell me - have you every employed a young apprentice/tradesman who was great on the bookwork, but absolutely bloody hopeless when you put a tool in their hand?   And, have you ever employed a young apprentice who struggled a bit with their bookwork, but was a "natural" plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer.  We have trained over 30 apprentices - and of these we only had one who never completed his time - and this was down to pure laziness on his part - but I can tell you - give me the ones that struggle a bit with the bookwork but are naturals on the tools every time over the whizzy little bugger who can write the answer to everything but has two left hands.  My comments come from experience with training - and these are the points I was attempting to make.