PERSONALITY PROFILE
47
Young blood in plumbing industry
The 22-year-old Roland Palm is a plumbing apprentice
at Burgess and Partners Plumbing Services.
By Dineo Phoshoko
Palm was first exposed to the plumbing industry
when he was still in school at Glenvista High School
in Johannesburg South. One of the subjects he did
was civil engineering (engineering graphics) and the
drawings that were done covered plumbing work. Palm
also gained some experience in the industry through
a mutual family friend. “My sister’s boyfriend at the
time was a plumber, so I used to work with him over
weekends, helping him out with jobs.”
To pursue a career in plumbing after school, industry insiders
advised Palm to find a plumbing company where he could do
an apprenticeship, as that is the way to becoming a qualified
plumber. A close friend of his mother recommended that
he should do his apprenticeship with Burgess. “I phoned
in, asked for an interview, and sent my CV through,” says
Palm. He was very persistent, admitting that he “nagged and
phoned” until he finally got the interview that landed him the
apprenticeship.
He started the apprenticeship in February 2015 and is
expected to finish at the end of 2018. By then, Palm would
be a qualified plumber. Explaining the apprenticeship, Palm
says, “It’s basically like going to a university and studying for
four years, and then getting your qualification.”
As an apprentice, Palm runs his own van, which involves
driving to jobs, doing quotations, and ensuring that jobs are
done properly. On a typical day, Palm does between five and
six jobs — depending on the nature of the job. “Sometimes
it’s a little bit hard to get through everything; sometimes we
get stuck at one job and I’ll end up working late just to try
and get everything done.” Palm explains that specialising
in macerators hydroboils as well as backup and rainwater
harvest systems was helpful, because knowing the job meant
working more efficiently.
Working on the Clandale project, where a rainwater harvesting
system was installed, is a career highlight for Palm. He has
never worked on an installation
of that magnitude before.
Reflecting on his encounters in
the industry so far, Palm says
he has had good experiences.
“Going out every day, seeing
new faces, new buildings, and
new things is quite cool. I’ve
learnt a lot about dif ferent
cultures.”
Discussing the state of the
plumbing industry, Palm says
that the industry has grown. “With all the new technology
that’s coming out — the new types of pipes, the new types
of fittings — the industry is constantly changing.” He admits
to seeing “good plumbing and bad plumbing”. “I think we are
moving forward; maybe one or two plumbers or companies
are holding back,” he says. To assist the industry in moving
forward, Palm believes that plumbers should take the
initiative to familiarise themselves with the standards.
Being a plumber can be challenging at times, especially
when it comes to dealing with pressure. For Palm, working
at Burgess means even more pressure to uphold the
company’s reputation, while also ensuring that he does his
job properly and keeps customers happy. “The last thing you
want is to rush a job and then you have to go back three or
four times. At the end of the day, it will kill your stride moving
forward.” A loyal West Ham United Football Club fan, Palm
enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family
during his spare time.
Looking ahead, Palm has his eye on the golden prize, which is
to become a qualified plumber and work his way up at Burgess.
He is very passionate about plumbing and acknowledges that
it requires a lot of hard work. “You have to be willing to work
hard. If you are not willing to work hard in this industry, then no;
I don’t think there is a place for you.” PA
Roland Palm, an apprentice
at Burgess and Partners
Plumbing Services.
“If you are not
willing to work
hard in this
industry, then
no; I don’t think
there is a place
for you.”
The Personality Profile is sponsored by Plumbdrain
15 - 18 AUGUST 2018
Expo Centre Nasrec, Joihannesburg, South Africa
BOOK YOUR STAND!
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
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