The aim is to facilitate dissemination of knowledge and expertise amongst vocational training experts. The winner of the Award receives USD10,000 and visits a country of their choice to see how vocational training is organised.

Lastly, John McBride, WPC’s secondee to WHO, is developing a training package in safe plumbing practice for use in developing countries and trials are planned in the Solomon Islands and India.

RW: What about WPC as an organisation?
AW: WPC is just 18 years old which is very young for an international organisation. I think it has achieved a lot but its development can only go at the pace its members and resources allow. Furthermore, all its participants are voluntary apart from the newly-appointed service provider. This is a welcome development as it will help consolidate the routine work currently handled separately by the Secretary and Treasurer.

RW: What in your opinion can sustain WPC’s long term future?
AW: By remaining attractive and relevant to the global plumbing fraternity. With such attributes, WPC will attract hard working and dedicated plumbing people who care passionately about what they do. Therefore I’m confident that for the foreseeable future, under Robert Burgon’s Chairmanship - ably supported by Deputy Chairman, Russ Chaney and the rest of the Executive Board - WPC is in good hands. I have been privileged to have played a part in its progress thus far, so long may WPC continue to flourish!