Plumbing Skills Mahotsav 2019 turned the spotlights on technology, techniques and training to project the sector on to the next level
By Mrinmoy Bhattacharjee
In yet another initiative for up-skilling plumbers in latest technologies, Indian Plumbing Skills Council (IPSC) brought together over 12,000 plumbers for a day of intense training. At Plumbing Skills Mahotsav 2019 in New Delhi this February, plumbers from across north India got a taste of new plumbing techniques that would enable them to install and repair state-of-the-art fittings that are available in markets today.
This was a huge platform for plumbers, to understand new products and technologies and connect with employers for increased earning potential. It was also an opportunity for IPSC’s training partners and assessment agencies to showcase their methodologies and approach in the skilling process. Plumbers were given participation certificates, while many who had already undergone skill training and assessment were felicitated with IPSC-Skill India Certification.
“The plumbing industry has an important role to play in providing jobs and livelihoods to millions of people across the country. India has been blessed with demographic dividend with a potential to take us to great heights, and it is our responsibility to work together towards reaping that potential,” Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said on the occasion. “With the majority of the plumbing industry workforce in India informally trained, it is imperative for us to incorporate technological interventions to expand the horizon of skill training across our plumbing workforce to match with the global standards,” he added.
Dr R K Somany, IPSC chairman said, “We understand the value of plumbers. They are the first soldiers in the line of defence against issues such as water shortage and water-borne diseases, and play a very vital role in keeping the society clean and safe.” He further informed, “We have made a promise to the community and country to train a workforce of 12 lakh by 2022, out of which we have already trained and certified more than 90,000 plumbers. IPSC, through its various activities, is putting Indian plumbers on a global platform.”
“Plumbing Skills Mahotsav initiative is undertaken to inform advocate the importance of plumbing and also educate our plumbers in India about the important work they undertake. It is very heartening to see women plumbers here today amongst us, and this has only been possible owing to training and inclusivity offered by IPSC,” remarked Somany.
The highlight of the event was the launch of Plumber Konnect, a mobile app that brings certified plumbers closer to users. Plumbing Skills Mahotsav is a part of the larger ecosystem that IPSC has envisaged, and Plumber Konnect acts as a catalyst in the marriage of technology and skills, to benefit end-consumers. Through the app, users will get the services of a trained and certified plumber, and genuine parts on pre-approved rates. It has been seamlessly integrated to various payment gateways.
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Dr Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) said, “Given the growing demand for real estate and infrastructure, there is a need for highly skilled plumbers.” He commended the IPSC for the efforts they have been making for enhancing the skills of plumbers across the country. “I believe that initiatives such as the Plumber Konnect app will provide the necessary impetus for becoming responsive to market demand and meeting consumer expectations.”
Vinay Gupta, vice chairman, IPSC said, “IPSC has been working continuously to connect the industry with Skill India mission, besides other activities for formalising the skilling eco-system in the plumbing sector. Our initiatives are aimed towards having fruitful interactions and achieving value-addition for all stakeholders involved, and creation of an even more effective platform for the promotion of skill development in the sector.”
He added, “Overseas employment for the plumbing workforce is yet another area in which IPSC has been particularly active, and has also been largely successful. IPSC has been trying to get notification issued by several agencies (private and public) so that the trained and certified plumbers are gainfully employed.”
Plumbing Skills Mahotsav also witnessed job placement workshops by international and domestic brands like Hindware, Bathline, National Science Foundation (NSF), Watertec, Viega, Jain Plumbing, Ori-Plast, Hepco, Acquaviva, Rothenberger, Kitec, Parryware, Xylem, Ashirvad, Products Unlimited, Kranti Meters, George Ficher, Neoperl, Lubrizol, Jindal Stainless, Pidilite, among others. Many plumbers were handpicked for international and domestic placements by companies right at the venue. The Mahotsav was attended by various stakeholders of the plumbing industry, including manufacturers, plumbing consultants, contractors, real estate developers, and students.
