The Association was formed in 1956 in an era when these trades were taught in tertiary colleges, particularly in regional areas and also in many technical schools. In these institutions, most teachers taught both junior classes and apprentices. As a result, the Association dealt with a wide range of issues, including the teaching of the secondary and apprenticeship curriculum.

The Association brought teachers together for social activities, industrial visits, excursions and in-service programs both in the metropolitan and regional centres, covering topics of interest to secondary and apprenticeship teachers. It also became a valuable source for general information for resourcing materials and equipment.

Members were kept informed of the Association’s activities through regular newsletters as well as through the annual publication of “The Ventilator” magazine.

The annual general meeting during this period was another highlight of the Association where ideas could be exchanged in a convivial atmosphere; guest speakers both entertained and informed the members.

When plumbing training, along with block release became part of the TAFE colleges the teaching of Sheetmetal, plumbing and metalwork electives continued in the technical schools focusing strongly on developing strong trade related skills.
In 1986, the Association held its first conference at Albury and this has continued to the present day. Until technical education was phased out, there were 80-100 secondary and 150 TAFE teachers attending this event each year. During the development of the new VCE curriculum in the late eighties through to 1991, these conferences were a valuable source of information where teachers in pilot schools and those involved in VET programs shared their experiences. In addition, the changes to apprentice curriculum over the years has been discussed at Albury and as a result of this interchange of ideas, refinements have been made to assist teachers with their lesson delivery and to provide resource material.

The executive committee believes that the Association provides an invaluable service to all its members and that its continuation is crucial. We would appreciate any ideas, suggestions and assistance with furthering the cause of extending the knowledge base of all of those involved in the teaching of plumbing related trades.

This information was provided by John Doodt in June 2016