Jason Day, from Banks, is a fourth-year apprentice sprinkler fitter who attends TAFE three days a month. 

But what’s different about the former garbage collector and long-time plasterer is that Jason, 46, is a grandfather of three and the oldest member of the class by almost three decades.

In 2021 he decided to become an apprentice in sprinkler fitting (also called fire-protection plumbers), a job that been listed on Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupational Shortage List for four consecutive years, reinforcing the critical skills shortage facing the industry.

And Jason couldn’t be happier, saying the move to sprinklers was the “best decision I’ve ever made”.

“I love this job… when I was offered an apprenticeship, I was worried it wouldn’t pay me enough but sprinkler fitters are in such high demand, when they told me my salary I nearly fell off my chair.

“To do a good honest day’s work and to know you’re helping protect people and property is so satisfying.”

Now a fourth-year apprentice with O’Neill and Brown Plumbing Jason spends three
days a month honing his hands-on skills and knowledge at the TAFE NSW Randwick campus to, one of only two nationwide to offer training in the niche trade.

Sprinkler fitters work in a highly specialised trade focused on installing, servicing and maintaining fire
suppression systems, such as sprinklers, hydrants and hose reels. Apprentices complete a Certificate III in Fire Protection.

Stricter building codes and regulations, growth in construction and ageing infrastructure are all driving

Jason said TAFE NSW had helped “reignite” his professional passion.

“I’m old enough to be my classmates’ dad but TAFE NSW has been amazing. The teachers are so
experienced and keen to share their knowledge,” he said.

“Everyone wants to do the high-profile trades like carpentry, but fire protection is such a cool, technical trade and there’s so much demand. I’ve done a million different jobs but never done one where I jump out of bed in the morning like this.”

Fire protection plumbing teacher Peter Edmonds said Mr Day was a powerful example of how TAFE NSW helped locals reskill or upskill, regardless of age.

“Jason is proof that you’re never too old to start a career,” Mr Edmonds said. “As safety regulations have
improved over the years, the demand for sprinkler fitters has grown quite substantially.

“A number of our graduates are able to open their own businesses as soon as they qualify, which you can’t
say for many trades.”