Casey and Kai Plunkett want to encourage other First Nations people to take up a trade. Photo: Erin Hee.
As concerns grow over Wagga losing skilled tradespeople to big cities, a proud Wiradjuri plumber is “extremely happy” that his teenage son is taking the plunge to do an apprenticeship.
Casey Plunkett, 17, knew he was going to be a plumber when he was in kindy, and has been following his father Kai to work since he was in Year 8.
Kai owns Plunketts Plumbing and thinks that state authorities should start looking into providing subsidies for older people looking to pursue a trade.
“To do an apprenticeship, you would want to be a young person still living at home, because you’re not going to be able to live off the wage otherwise,” Kai said.
“So that’s the big thing about it. Older people that want to get into the game? There’s not much subsidies for them at the moment, and that’s the big killer.
“In another 15 years, all the baby boomers are going to be retired, and there’s not as many apprentices getting into the field.
“There needs to be a bit more government funding on wages for apprentices, because no-one wants to pay someone $40 an hour that doesn’t know anything.
“When you get them young, it’s not too bad, but once you get them over a certain age, then it starts costing you a little bit of money to have them on the payroll.”
Kai has been taking Casey to work every week since he was in Year 8. Photo: Erin Hee.
Casey may have just started his apprenticeship, but he’s been diligently following his dad to work for the past three years.
“I’m learning new tools that they come out with,” Casey said. “Makes it easier to automate and do things.”
“Casey’s not too bad,” Kai said. “He’s just got to learn to follow directions a little bit more, but that’s every young person.
“So other than that, he’s going good — he’ll end up making a good plumber one day.”
Casey’s two brothers also work with Kai and have finished their apprenticeship, making it a true family business.
The father-son duo urged other First Nations people to consider becoming a tradesman.
“I was never really happy at school but I knew if I could get into the workforce early, I would thrive,” Casey said.
“They reckon that trades are going to be the big thing over the next few years,” Kai said.
“It’s good being on the tools. You gotta use your brain as well.
“Some things that you get from the shop don’t work properly, so then you’ve got to try and work out how you’re going to make it work.
“Give everybody a ring in the phone book, and even ask for work experience, just to get your foot in the door.”
To learn more about Plunketts Plumbing or to get in touch, visit their Facebook page.
