Two things.
I know of at least 5 plumbers who are operating their own businesses without even being registered plumbers let alone certifying. One of these I have reported to the Board, because he stole from me whilst working for me, and because I found out he wasn't registered and had to let him go.
The board has done nothing about this, as he is now working for someone else and still not registered.
What the hells going on?

The other thing is training.
When I did my pre-trade at CPIT 18 years ago I came out of that 22 week course full of knowledge and brimming with confidence. I could braze, I could lead burn, I could form a copper tee I could install a low pressure cylinder I could put hemp and graphite on a thread. I had a good understanding of basic plumbing.
Ive just taken on an apprentice who has gone through this years course who didn't know how to put a blade in a hacksaw correctly. He cant hemp a thread.
What the hells going on?

Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/pgdb-new-zealand-plumbing-gasfitting-and-drainlaying-board/30/our-industry-is-in-a-horrible-state/1536/

Spud, if you have reported it to the Board and they have done nothing, then you need to go to your MP, or contact Wal at the Federation.  Name and shame.  You will never be able to compete with these guys as they do not have any of the costs that you have - registration, ongoing CPD points etc.  If they are not registered or licensed then all their customers are also at risk. 

The Board of course may be doing something about it - you would not necessarily know - but I guess you are gauging the fact that they are still in business.  What the Board need in these cases is hard evidence - photos of them performing plumbing, a copy of an invoice for work showing their name on it, or perhaps a picture of their van if it is signwritten. 

Generally most people in this industry don't like "dobbing" but these unregistered guys are "outside" the tent and do not deserve protection.  This is a regulated industry for a reason.

I endorse your comments re training- the current training regime is poor and without substance.  As the last Federation newsletter pointed out, it is more aimed at passing assessments than it is at training for industry.  If we aren't careful the new qual in 2015 is going to be the same.  The grass roots of industry would, I think, like a return back to the system of first qual, second, qual, third qual - nightclasses, teaching at tech and you don't pass on to the next stage until you clearly pass the stage before.  6 years - and straight through to a final qualification that = certifying status.

Let your MP know that you think the training sucks, let the Minister for Tertiary Education know and let Skills know.  Someone has paid a few thousand dollars for the pre-trade, and it sounds like it is down the toilet.  We've employed two new apprentices in the last fortnight and I am interested to see how much they know.