The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) has welcomed the announcement by the State Labor Party that they will support the development of two new facilities in Geelong and Melbourne''s south-eastern suburbs.

Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Steve Herbert, made the announcement today at PICAC in Brunswick.

These two areas of Melbourne that have been hard-hit by the closure of the automotive industries will see two world-class facilities developed to re-train skilled workers in sustainable plumbing jobs, providing them and their families with secure futures.

The Chair of PICAC, Plumber''s Union Secretary Earl Setches said "This will mean that the industry, working with government, will see training delivered in industries of the future throughout metropolitan Melbourne.

PICAC has retrained 10,000 plumbers in new technologies. That''s half of the industry in Victoria."

Mr Herbert announced that a Labor Government would work with the Victorian Building Authority and the plumbing industry to ensure that the new PICAC centres are used to support retrenched automobile manufacturing and supply chain workers.

Deputy Chair and CEO of the Master Plumbers, Ken Gardner said, "These new PICACs will support the development of skills that will translate directly to the construction industry and provide a supply of needed tradespersons to support building activity in the Greater Geelong and South East Regions.

These two new facilities will provide up-skilling and competency development to over 200 plumbing industry entrants, year on year, particularly to those who have found gaining employment with their existing skill set difficult."

"PICAC Geelong and Narre Warren will train students in a broad range of plumbing industry related skills which will greatly increase lifetime employability prospects" Mr Setches said.

For further information contact Elaine Mathews, PR and Communications Coordinator, PICAC on 0422 391 947

The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre Profile

The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) is a unique industry led training facility in Brunswick, Melbourne. The centre is a 5 Star Green Star rated building and is a working example of innovative design and sustainable plumbing.

PICAC''s facilities are pre-eminent amongst training providers and include the Fire Protection Centre of Excellence, the Occupational Health and Safety Centre of Excellence, a demonstration Green Plumbing House, world class reticulated water systems, the newest technology in water and energy efficiency. By showcasing the world''s very best, leading edge technology we are training the plumbers of tomorrow, today.

Cutting-edge training includes:

• Plumbing Preapprenticeship

• Certificate III in Fire Protection

• Certificate III in Plumbing

• Asbestos removal Class A

• Rainwater harvesting, water treatment and re-cycling

• Solar systems for commercial and residential buildings

• OHS and high risk licences

• Business development