| 67 May Plumbing and Gas CONTRACTING T T Alexia Anderson ‘Dire’ shortage of skilled plumbers The horticulture industry, commercial contracts and a steady stream of new builds is keeping the team at May Plumbing and Gas busy. The plumbing and gas industry is in “dire straits” due to a shortage of skilled professionals entering the field, according to one of the sector’s mainstayers. Mike May, of May Plumbing and Gas in Cromwell, has raised the issue, saying dwindling numbers could not be fixed with immigration because the industry was not geared toward overseas practices. “It is vital that we get the numbers in training up in order to correct this imbalance for the future.” People who wanted to complete a five year apprenticeship in the sector would need to part with about $15,000, a figure that was not attractive in an industry that already lacked appeal, he said. Mike believed there needed to be more emphasis on getting people into trades. “There has been too much steering of people into other careers and not enough into the trades and services we all need in our every-day lives.” However, one thing the industry doesn’t lack in Cromwell is the business, Mike said. “Business is really good, we are in constant demand and have some really good commercial contracts underway, as well as a steady stream of new house builds. We also service the horticulture industry, which is going well.” He said with Cromwell being the centre of industry in the Lakes District, new businesses were being established, which always came with more work. Lifestyle and retirement villages have also kept the team busy, with the second village construction project on the company’s books now underway. People are also turning to May Plumbing and Gas when it comes to home improvements, including installation of water treatment systems to improve their drinking water quality, along with heat pump hydronic central heating systems. The growing rural sector means the team is also tasked with a lot of waste water treatment system designs and installations from houses to camping grounds, large factories and tourism complexes. The team is made up of 12 staff, including an architectural draughtsman and estimator, an office administrator, a drainlayer, three apprentices and four tradespeople, along with Mike and his wife, Andrea. “Business is really good, we are in constant demand and have some really good commercial contracts underway, as well as a steady stream of new house builds. We also service the horticulture industry, which is going well.” Mike started in business in Cromwell around 1994, and since then has established a good long-term clientele and a reputation for reliability across the district. Over the past 30 years Mike has experienced a lot of changes within the sector, particularly around staffing due to less people taking up the career. As a result, a large percentage of plumbers are now at retirement age, which was a big issue, he said. Technology has also changed the way the industry functions. Mike recalls there was no internet or email when starting out. Instead, he used a fax machine to communicate. Cell phones were also new at the time and cumbersome, he said. “Now our cell phones are an essential tool for communication and information, all of our job files are cloud based and so much information is available at your fingertips.” Mike is now hoping the next change is a positive one, where a younger generation starts embracing the trades for the good of their community. We've been making bathrooms beautiful for more than 145 years. Wanaka Ph: 03 443 2400 Oakleys Wanaka, 17c Frederick St Cromwell Ph: 03 445 0008 12 Hughes Cres, Cromwell www.oakleysplumbing.co.nz
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