Skill retention and training are the most serious issues facing the employer in the short to long term. The plumbing sector has demonstrated their preparedness to deal with the skills shortage through the provisions relating to apprenticeships and industry specific induction process.  They have all agreed to an increased emphasis on Occupational Health and Safety training for all plumbers as well as additional skills not traditionally linked to plumbing.  Training and higher level skills are beneficial for management and employees.

The objective of this fund is to positively encourage workplace reform and business improvements in a cooperative manner which ultimately motivates and rewards all stakeholders. 

Training will be based on the following criteria:

• Based on the skills required of the employer
• To reflect the standards required for competent performance within the employee's career path
• Require employees to co-operate and assist in the transfer of skills to other workers
• Developed on a modular basis, recognised by relevent authorities and may be provided both on and/or off site, providing an accredited outcome.

The industry agreed to support a Service Trades Industry Fund (STIF) for delivery on a comprehensive range of identified needs relevent to the company and the major commercial plumbing sector including longer term training and licensing issues and visions which can sensibly be drawn together into one overarching means of funding.