As 2024 draws to a close, the WPC has been hard at work. We recently wrapped up our General Meeting in September, held alongside the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon. The meeting was a great success, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone who attended, whether in person or virtually.

The WorldSkills competition was the perfect venue for our General Meeting, as it embodies so much of what the WPC stands for—ensuring a high level of expertise and training the next generation of a skilled workforce. We were honored to sign an MoU with WorldSkills during the event, marking a successful 20-year partnership. More details on this and the WorldSkills competition can be found in this issue, so be sure to read about these exciting events.

Preparations are already underway for World Plumbing Day 2025. We are hoping to build on the success of previous years, with some exciting things in the works. Keep an eye out for updates!

Each year, the WPC offers three scholarships to support aspiring professionals. To give more people an opportunity to apply, the board recently decided to extend the application deadline. Additional information about the scholarships is included in this issue.

As we approach the holiday season, I would like to thank our members for their continued support. On behalf of the WPC, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Warm regards,

Dave Viola
Chair, World Plumbing Council

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) is excited to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with WorldSkills International. This agreement marks a major milestone, celebrating 20 years of collaboration between the organizations.

The ceremony took place at the WPC’s General Membership Meeting, held in conjunction with WorldSkills Lyon 2024, a competition of 1,400 young people representing the next generation of skilled talent.

“We are here today to mark 20 years of collaborative partnership,” WorldSkills President Chris Humphries said. “This signing today recognizes the opportunities you create for experts and competitors. It acknowledges the extraordinary social impact you are having and how you are showing young people the positive role they can have in community development. And it thanks you for the incredible connections you make between leaders of the international industry, employers, and young people. We are proud to work with you,” said Humphries.

The MoU was signed by Chris Humphries, president of WorldSkills; Dave Viola, chair of the World Plumbing Council; David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International; and Alexander Amiri, director of Sponsorship and Partnership for WorldSkills International.

“A skilled workforce is an essential element of stable economic development. The World Plumbing Council and WorldSkills are at the forefront of action and, together, I hope we can find more ways to improve energy efficiency, make better use of renewable resources, and support access to clean water for everyone,” Humphries said. “I have no doubt that water security will stay at the heart of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the global need for plumbers.”

Viola thanked WorldSkills for its ongoing support.

“You have been a great partner to World Plumbing Council over the years and I am happy to commemorate this 20-year anniversary with you today in Lyon,” he said. “I look forward to more great work in the future.”

Learn more about WorldSkills here.

Submitted by IWSH; this article first appeared in Contractor Mag

By Seán Kearney

If you ever get to attend the international WorldSkills Competition, you’ll experience excitement on par with the world’s greatest sports events. Witnessing 1,500 youth from more than 60 countries, representing almost 60 vocations (including Plumbing and Heating) being celebrated like Olympic champions—complete with parades of nations, thousands of cheering fans, medal podiums and dazzling Opening and Closing Ceremonies—is truly exhilarating.

Behind the excitement, however, remains our industry’s pressing issue: the critical shortage of skilled labor. How do we keep the momentum going?

That’s where our IWSH Plumbing Champions program comes in, a program of the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWSH) Foundation, the social impact arm of IAPMO. We transform perceptions of the plumbing industry at the local level through installation projects in communities that are hosting high-profile events such as WorldSkills.

Left; Products in use at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Plumbing and Heating Competition; Right: Apprentices at BTP CFA Rhône Apprenticeship Training Centre unpack donated WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Plumbing and Heating competition fixtures. Photo credit: IWSH

From Showcase to Install: The IWSH Plumbing Champions Model

Supported by IAPMO and the World Plumbing Council, IWSH Plumbing Champions leverages showcase events to create sustained, real-world impact.

“IWSH Plumbing Champions projects inspire young people to pursue careers in plumbing and highlight the profession’s true scope as champions of public health and resource conservation,” said Dave Viola, current World Plumbing Council Chair and Chief Executive Officer of IAPMO.

“We prioritize projects for community centers, such as schools or health facilities, where our impact has the highest visibility and will benefit the greatest number of local people. We demonstrate that modern plumbing is way more than unclogging toilets – it’s everything that goes into innovating, designing, installing, and maintaining advanced water infrastructure and technologies that create stronger, more resilient communities,” Viola said.

IWSH Plumbing Champions at WorldSkills Lyon 2024

At WorldSkills Lyon 2024, we collaborated with GROHE, part of LIXIL – a longstanding IWSH partner – who, along with IAPMO, is a WorldSkills Global Industry Partner. GROHE contributed products to the WorldSkills Plumbing and Heating competition, while IAPMO contributed its deep expertise in plumbing codes and standards towards assessing the competition.

After the event concluded in mid-September, IWSH Plumbing Champions took over and orchestrated the repurpose of GROHE competition fixtures for use at the BTP CFA Rhône Apprenticeship Training Centre in the town of Dardilly near Lyon. BTP CFA provides skills training for different construction and public works organizations across France, and the campus at Dardilly houses a GROHE Give Program training facility.

IAPMO and GROHE experts worked alongside the local apprentices and their instructors to install a new mixed-use washroom for the construction school training area, including new toilets, showers, and handwash basins. Allied trade apprentices, such as tile installers from BTP CFA Rhône, will help finish the project, which is expected to be completed this fall.

A Look Ahead: IWSH Plumbing Champions in 2025

World Plumbing Council Executive Board members and other international delegates visit with the team at BTP CFA Rhône, site of the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 IWSH Plumbing Champions project. Photo credit: IWSH

Our next IWSH Plumbing Champions project will occur at ISH Frankfurt in March 2025, the world’s largest water and HVAC trade show. Previous IWSH Plumbing Champions projects have been presented at WorldSkills National Championship events in Australia and Ireland, as well as ISH Frankfurt 2023.

If you’re inspired by our mission as the WASH nonprofit focused on plumbing, I invite you to subscribe to our newsletter, WASH Fundamentals, where we share insights and expertise to scale progress in closing the water access gap with hard-and-fast proof points about what works.

Even better, get in touch with me to discuss more specific initiatives. We ensure that 100% of IWSH donations support plumbing projects that change lives while reshaping public perception of the plumbing industry.  ​There is no equity without clean water and safe sanitation, and there is no clean water and safe sanitation without skilled plumbers. Join us, and let’s continue to show the world who the real champions are.

Seán Kearney is the Managing Director at International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation. Learn more about the IWSH Foundation at iwsh.org.

The 47th WorldSkills Competition reached its grand conclusion last month with an unforgettable Closing Ceremony at OL Stadium in Lyon, France. As the third-largest stadium in France by capacity, it was the perfect venue for the night’s festivities, where an energized and emotional crowd celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s talented Competitors. The ceremony recognized young professionals from across the globe who demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in their respective trades, from traditional crafts like jewelry-making to industrial skills such as welding.

The medals awarded were more than just tokens; they represented excellence, dedication, and the spirit of international collaboration. Each gold, silver, and bronze medal celebrated the Competitors’ achievements and reflected the values that WorldSkills upholds, from innovation and quality to resilience and global unity.

Spotlight on Plumbing and Heating Medals

The plumbing and heating category was fiercely competitive, with over 26 teams taking part. The top Competitors demonstrated technical mastery, setting a high standard in their field. Here are the distinguished winners in this category:

Gold Medal

Weilong Sun (China)
Weilong Sun hails from Weifang City in Shandong Province, China. A student at Shandong Industrial Technician College, he has an impressive track record of awards, including a gold medal in the Shandong Vocational Skills Competition and top placements in national plumbing and heating contests. Weilong’s technical expertise earned him the title of “National Technical Expert,” a well-deserved recognition for his hard work.

Silver Medals

Ruben Duggan (United Kingdom)
From the village of Man-Moel near Blackwood, Gwent, in South Wales, Ruben Duggan brings both family heritage and talent to his profession. Working with his family’s business, Powerserv Ltd., Ruben completed his apprenticeship at Coleg y Cymoedd, and his accolades include a gold medal at the UK national finals and a bronze at Euroskills. His journey is one of dedication, fueled by support from BPEC Skillplumb and Inspiring Skills Wales.

Doyoung Kang (Korea)
Representing Gyeongju City in Korea, Doyoung Kang is a testament to dedication. A student at Silla Technical High School and an employee at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Doyoung previously won a gold medal in Korea’s national skills competition. His skill and determination have made him a standout in the plumbing and heating industry.

Medallions for Excellence
Several Competitors also received Medallions for Excellence, acknowledging their high skill levels and technical abilities:

• Yuki Ishii (Japan)
• Luk Vogelsang (Switzerland)
• Axel Bezias (France)
• René Steinkellner (Austria)
• Julius Maximilian Dohr (Germany)
• Mikko Motin (Finland)
• Balázs Vörös (Hungary)
• Krzysztof Szewczyk (Poland)
• Sebastian Battista (Australia)
• Chen-Hsun Lu (Chinese Taipei)

Congratulations to all the Competitors, medalists, and everyone who participated in making the 47th WorldSkills Competition a remarkable celebration of skill and potential.

In response to growing interest, the World Plumbing Council (WPC) is excited to announce that we are extending the application deadline for our prestigious scholarships to 31 December 2024. This extension allows for more applicants to pursue their passion for the industry with valuable financial support.

Our scholarships promote educational exchanges among plumbing professionals globally, raise awareness of the vital role plumbing plays in global health, sustainability, and environmental protection, and offer a unique platform for networking and relationship-building within the industry.

The WPC offers three annual scholarships:

• Two Education and Training Scholarships for individuals actively involved in their local plumbing industry: These scholarships allow professionals to travel internationally and gain new insights into the industry.
• One United Association Instructor Training Program Scholarship: This scholarship enables a trainer, instructor or teacher from the plumbing industry to attend the annual United Association Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Whether you’re actively involved in your local plumbing community or engaged in education and training, this is a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, contribute to the global plumbing community, and further your professional development.

Application deadline: 31 December 2024

To learn more about the application process, visit: https://www.worldplumbing.org/scholarship/

To explore reports from past recipients, visit: https://www.worldplumbing.org/scholarship-reports/

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to grow your career. Apply today!

Share this opportunity with colleagues who may also benefit!

Submitted by The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering

World Plumbing Conference 2026: Worldwide Problems — Global Solutions

23-25 June 2026, InstallerSHOW 2026, NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has revealed that the World Plumbing Council (WPC), the global organisation at the forefront of creating safe and effective plumbing worldwide, will convene for their 2026 conference at InstallerSHOW. This will be the 14^th World Plumbing Council conference and the first to be held in England since 1990. Scotland hosted the conference in 2011. It will also mark the first time the conference has taken place alongside an existing event.

Call for Presentations

Titled “Worldwide problems — global solutions,” the groundbreaking WPC conference promises to be a unique and innovative event, bringing together leaders, experts, and visionaries from the plumbing and installation sectors like never before. The four key pillars of the conference are: Skills, Supply & Conservation, Sustainability, and Safety in the Home, and we welcome submissions for presentation titles on these vitally important topics.

Be the first to receive further information on keynote speakers, conference registration fees and submission deadlines as they become available: register your interest via elizabethl@ciphe.org.uk.

Further details of the conference are available via: https://www.ciphe.org.uk/news-and-advice/press-releases/wpc-conference-2026/.

Submitted by Singapore Plumbing Society (SPS)

The leadership of the Singapore Plumbing Society (SPS) recently welcomed the leadership of the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) in Singapore. Both are WPC members. They visited the Keppel Seghers NEWater Plant, which showcases technological advancements, ensuring Singapore’s water sustainability amid growing urban challenges. The plant’s cutting-edge innovations continue to position Singapore as a global leader in water management.

SPS and IPA delegates at the Keppel Seghers NEWater Plant.

The group also visited the Marina Barrage, a critical component of Singapore’s integrated water management and flood control strategy. Beyond its engineering marvel as a dam, Marina Barrage serves as a vibrant recreational hub and a center for educating the public on the importance of water sustainability. This visit underscored Singapore’s commitment to merging urban development with environmental responsibility, an ethos we believe is essential for the future of cities globally.

Marina Barrage- Sustainable Gallery

And lastly, the delegation had the privilege to attend the prestigious Singapore Water Association (SWA) 52nd Singapore Water Industry Nite held at the WaterHub Auditorium. The event was a convergence of industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders who came together to discuss the latest advancements and future trends in the water sector. This gathering provided invaluable networking opportunities and insightful discussions on addressing key challenges faced by the water industry, both locally and globally.

SPS and IPA delegates at the Singapore Water Industry Nite

Submitted by BPEC

BPEC is delighted to announce that Ruben Duggan has been awarded the Plumbing & Heating silver medal at WorldSkills 2024! After demonstrating exceptional skills across a very challenging task, Ruben’s success was announced at the WorldSkills 2024 closing ceremony.

Ruben’s WorldSkills journey started with his SkillPLUMB UK gold medal win in 2022, following this he excelled at EuroSkills 2023, where he received the bronze medal. Now this WorldSkills silver medal win rounds off an amazing two years for this talented young plumber.

Neil Collishaw, CEO of BPEC, said, “BPEC is proud to organise SkillPLUMB, supported by key industry partners across the plumbing and heating industry. SkillPLUMB is part of the WorldSkills UK network and is the only route by which plumbing students and apprentices can have a chance to represent their country and compete internationally.

“Congratulations Ruben and well done on your world-class performance!”

You can find more information on the SkillPLUMB Competition here https://bpec.org.uk/the-bpec-charity/activities/skillplumb/

Source: Plumbing Connection

The recent announcement that Australia will lead the world in banning the importation of engineered stone is another positive move in the fight to protect workers from silicosis, but research shows more needs to be done.

Glyn Pierce-Jones, CEO of leading workplace safety technology company Trolex, said “many Australian workers still face serious health risks, even with the much-welcomed banning of engineered stone.”

“Even with engineered stone out of the picture and strong workplace safety regulations – as strong as any in the world – Australian worksites still carry risks that can only be reduced if real-time dust monitoring is introduced,” Pierce-Jones said.

Read more at Plumbing Connection: https://plumbingconnection.com.au/engineered-stone-ban-is-good-but-more-research-is-needed/

Submitted by Messe Frankfurt  

Modern sanitary facilities combine comfort and design with sustainability. Smart technologies play a central role in this. They enable efficient utilisation of the valuable resource of water. More than 2,000 exhibitors will be presenting future-oriented technologies and trends in the sanitation and HVAC sector at ISH from 17 to 21 March 2025 in Frankfurt am Main. The offerings include solutions for a more conscious use of water, environmentally friendly and efficient heat generation, and hygienic and clean air.

As the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC and water, ISH is the national and international meeting place for everyone involved in construction and building technology. Experts and decision-makers from the fields of technical building equipment (TBE), the property sector and housing construction, as well as trade, commerce, industry and architecture come together to discover innovations, make contacts and discuss the latest developments.

Sustainability and digitalisation as central themes

With the motto “Solutions for a sustainable future,” ISH 2025 will focus on the responsible use of resources. A first-class event programme will accompany the innovation show and explore current topics in greater depth.

UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 calls for clean water and sanitation for all.

Experts from the sanitation, real estate and housing industries, political decision-makers, representatives of local authorities and international delegations, and non-governmental and development organisations will meet at the newly launched Value of Water Conference, which Messe Frankfurt is organising with Handelsblatt Media Group on 17 and 18 March 2025 at the Congress Center of Messe Frankfurt. The World Plumbing Council will also contribute its expertise to discuss global innovations in water management and hygiene.

The ISH Festival will take place for the first time, offering a special platform for young professionals and trainees in the HVAC industry. The festival will focus on the World Plumbing Championships, organised by Messe Frankfurt in cooperation with the World Plumbing Council. Young tradespeople from all over the world will demonstrate in real time what they can achieve within five days at the trade fair. The finished projects are then donated to a social organisation in Frankfurt and installed there, demonstrating the practical and social value of their work. In addition to IWSH Plumbing Champions, the ISH Festival offers numerous other attractions for the next generation of the HVAC industry.

The special area Public, Care Sector Bathrooms & Clean Water in Hall 3.0 is dedicated to public sanitary facilities and care sector bathrooms as well as hygienic drinking water supply. In the special area Green Roofs & Facades, various suppliers will show how green roofs and facades help keep cities cool.

A comprehensive overview of all events may be found on the ISH website at ish.messefrankfurt.com/events.

Submitted by Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of Western Australia

MPGA’s long-running annual series of industry information forums has successfully transformed into Plumbing Industry Trade Days at TAFE Colleges throughout Western Australia, and is open to every licensed plumber in Western Australia.

Click to see the highlights:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ytq7g0whjyp3iq00e0wqm/MPAWA_Trade-Day-Highlights.mp4?rlkey=56bly2mvy3uqner8vo9zwksvm&dl=0

Source: WHO WASH newsletter: https://hq_wash.cmail19.com/t/d-e-euildlk-tduuktcyh-ju/

In a message honouring the 10th anniversary of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus applauded the SBM’s focus on equity, local engagement and sustainability. He recognized the Indian government’s commitment to sanitation and hygiene as national priorities, highlighting its success in mobilizing communities, resources and leaders to eliminate open defecation and promote a healthier nation. The mission has had a positive impact on public health, including reduced disease burden and improved socioeconomic development. For more on sanitation and hygiene, visit https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/sanitation-safety.

Source: WASH Newsletter: https://hq_wash.cmail20.com/t/d-e-eduvhd-iyirittrut-yk/

Offered by OpenWHO

OpenWHO has launched a comprehensive self-learning course titled Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT), aimed at enhancing quality of care. This course is tailored for health care workers, facility managers, and policymakers, providing in-depth training on evaluating and advancing water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and environmental cleaning standards in health care facilities, with a particular focus on low-resource settings.

Take the course: https://openwho.org/courses/wash-fit

The September 2024 WASH newsletter highlighted a recent collaboration between WHO Philippines and the WPC.

In June 2024, the two organizations held a workshop bringing together more than 45 experts and tradespeople to address plumbing repairs and upgrades in four health care facilities in Metro Manila, based on WASH FIT assessments. This Plumbing for Health pilot initiative, stemming from a partnership forged at the 2023 Global Summit on WASH and Waste in Health Care Facilities, has pinpointed key areas for further support, such as workforce development, procurement, and community engagement. WPC members, including IWSH, PSSE, and NAMPAP, led the project with additional support from Philippine regulatory boards. Outcomes of the initiative are now helping refine WASH FIT assessments and establish green plumbing codes for health care facilities, with plans to expand the program across the Philippines and as a model for the region through 2025.

Read the article: https://hq_wash.cmail20.com/t/d-e-eduvhd-iyirittrut-yk/

Submitted by The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC)

PICAC is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of our Australian competitors at the recent United Association (UA) International Apprentice Competition held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. This prestigious five-day event saw 32 of the best apprentices from the United States, Canada, and Australia compete across various trades, showcasing their skills in a highly rigorous environment.

Representing Australia were two exceptional apprentices: Sam Barnes, a plumbing apprentice from The Service Trades College employed by Axis Plumbing, and James Rigas, a sprinkler fitting apprentice from Fire Industry Training employed by Rethus Fire Protection. Both Sam and James earned their places on the international stage after being finalists in the PICAC Apprentice Skills Competition held earlier this year at our Brunswick campus.

We are particularly proud to share that James was honoured with the Allyn Parmenter and George Bliss UA Directors of Training Award. This award recognizes an apprentice who not only excels in technical skills but also demonstrates outstanding leadership and embodies the UA’s Standard for Excellence. James has truly exemplified these values, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Congratulations to Barnes and Rigas for their remarkable performances. Their hard work, dedication, and leadership have made Australia and our industry proud. We look forward to seeing their continued success as they lead the next generation of skilled professionals.

Well done, Sam and James! You’ve represented Australia with distinction.

Do you know of an organization or individual interested in joining the WPC?  Share this link (https://www.worldplumbing.org/shop/) so they can join and become part of our global plumbing community!

AHR Expo
10-12 February 2025
Orlando, FL
www.ahrexpo.com

IBS/KBIS 2025
25-28 February 2025
Las Vegas, NV
www.buildersshow.com

ISH China
20-22 February, 2025
Beijing, China
ishc-cihe.hk.messefrankfurt.com/beijing

ISH Frankfurt am Main
17-21 March 2025
https://ish.messefrankfurt.com

IAPMO 2025 Annual Education and Business Conference
14-18 September 2025
Palm Springs, CA
www.iapmo.org

WaterSmart Innovations
7-9 October 2025
Reno, NV
www.watersmartinnovations.com

PHCC Connect 2025
27-30 October 2025
Grand Rapids, MI
www.phccweb.org

CIPHEX 2025
5-6 November 2025
Vancouver, British Columbia
www.ciph.com

Contact secretariat@worldplumbing.org to provide an event report or request listing of an upcoming event.