SkillsOne chats to Luke Fernance about how he became a plumber. He chats about what's involved in being a Plumber on large construction sites.

SkillsOne goes on a Walking Tour of Surry Hills, with members of the Oasis Youth Support Network, a support network for disadvantaged youth, to show the guys some careers they might like to enter into, such as being plumbers. They chat to Luke about what would be involved in an apprenticeship.

Luke has worked with Probuild before, but also contracts to many other builders.

He did a plumbing apprenticeship at the end of year 12 and he now typically works on commercial highrise buildings, apartments and hotels.

Luke chose to do a trade because he always liked working outdoors and enjoyed the physical aspect of creating something, he also likes the level of craftsmanship involved in his work. His father was also a plumber, so he learned a bit about his trade during his youth.

While he did do some residential and maintenance plumbing work, he prefers being involved in bigger projects as he likes creating new things and being involved in something bigger than himself.

About Plumbers:

Plumbers in Australia have the opportunity to travel the world, as plumbing apprenticeships in this country are much more thorough than those in the US and Britain. As such, our plumbers are in high demand in other countries.

About Probuild Constructions:

Probuild Constructions has built a track record for the delivery of complex, high quality projects on time and within budget.

In its 5 years in Sydney, Probuild (trading as WBHO Probuild Constructions) has grown steadily, earning a reputation for the successful delivery of complex projects of high quality and significant architectural merit, on time and within budget. The company has won two major awards for Excellence in Construction, receiving the MBA NSW Excellence in Construction Award 2006 for Hospitality Buildings $5M - $10M for Breakfast Point Country Club and 2005 for Museum of Australian Currency Notes, Reserve Bank of Australia for Interior Fitouts $2M - $5M.

About The Surry Hills Community Centre:

Project Background: The project involves construction of a new multi purpose building on the current site at 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills. The building will house a new library, as well as a neighbourhood centre and childcare facilities. The upgrade of the Surry Hills Community Centre is a City of Sydney project.

About Oasis:

Oasis gives young people hope, help and opportunities to access relevant education, training, jobs, counselling, and drug/alcohol programs across Australia. SkillsOne chats to John Harris, the Vocational Support Program Co-ordinator in Surry Hills about the program.

Seen the entire Oasis Walking Tour?

Florestry @ Buds n’ Bowers