For one local family, studying Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) at SuniTAFE has become a rewarding and trusted tradition. 

Robinson Plumbing Project Manager Mathew Hunt graduated from SuniTAFE in 2001 and 16 years later his son Jayden finished the same course.  

Today, both graduates are supporting the community by working for local business Robinson Plumbing, while another of Mathew’s children, Zane, is in the second year of his plumbing apprenticeship at another business.  

SuniTAFE’s plumbing department is responsible for training many of the licenced plumbers who go on to fill vital roles in both Mildura and Swan Hill. 

Apprentice Model Makes Students More Employable 

While many years have passed between the time that Mathew did his studies to now, the basic teachings have not changed.  

“The course has stayed mostly the same in that students still come away from the course with the skills they need in order to work in the industry,” Mathew said.  

“But it has been made better because over time the trade has evolved, and the training has needed to keep up.”  

This reflects SuniTAFE’s dedication to training workplace-ready apprentices who are equipped to keep up with rapidly moving industry trends.  

The plumbing courses cover a range of skills that a plumber would need on a daily basis such as installing systems, diagnosing problems, and repairing faults.  

Part of Mathew’s role is overseeing the apprentices who are new to the trade. This means that he has seen firsthand the important role that SuniTAFE training has on skills development.  

“Training prepares the apprentices quite a bit,” he said.   

“There’s a lot of technical information and standards that they have to learn at TAFE. So, when they actually get to the job, it does make it a bit easier because they’ve sat in a classroom and listened to it and done all their modules, bookwork, and computer tests.”  

Having completed his apprenticeship more recently, Jayden agrees that SuniTAFE set him up well for the workplace.   

“My time at TAFE was really good, especially when it came to the theory work,” Jayden said.  

“Because you learn mainly practical skills on site, you don’t really have a chance to learn the theory. So, studying as an apprentice gives you that balance that makes the whole trade a bit clearer.” 

Helping Students Establish Local Careers 

SuniTAFE’s presence in Mildura means that Mathew and his sons could study a trade without having to move away.  

Studying locally has enabled the Hunt family to remain together in Mildura while Mathew’s sons embark on their careers.  

“Having a TAFE in town makes it much easier to get a qualification,” Mathew said.  

“A lot of people have to travel a long way to get an education, but we are lucky to have a good course right here.” 

“Plus, as an apprentice, you get paid to train. You can’t go to a university and get paid to go to class.”  

Completing an apprenticeship was an effective way for Jayden to strive towards a rewarding career that suited him and his learning style.  

This is part of why his dad encouraged him to pursue an apprenticeship at SuniTAFE.  

“He did a lot of work experience with us over school holidays and seemed to enjoy it,” Mathew said.  

“But then, Robinson Plumbing happened to be working at Jayden’s school just outside the classroom he was in.  

“He didn’t like school too much and he spent the whole time looking out the window at us so it was then that we decided that an apprenticeship was the best move for him.” 

Choosing SuniTAFE was the right choice for Mathew and his family. It has given them a steady career path underpinned by technical skills that will benefit them now and into the future.  

With recent expansions made to the plumbing training space in Mildura, there is no better time to start your apprenticeship.  

Click here to see the courses on offer in both Mildura and Swan Hill.