Giant Steps Plumbing Project

WorldSkills Australia, TAFE NSW and BBM Ltd have once again collaborated to deliver an innovative and community focused, Giant Steps Plumbing Project. The Gladesville based, Giant Steps, is an educational centre for children and young adults with autism. Located at the old Gladesville Hospital site, Giant Steps was developed by a group of parents who wanted to build an institute where therapy and education could be combined in a supportive and understanding environment. They have been able to achieve incredible results whilst also providing emotional and educational support to families.

However, like most organisations of this nature, budgets are often tight. With this in mind, BBM Youth Support, WSA and TAFE NSW set out to install a much needed drainage system in the Giant Steps courtyard. In early May, pre-apprenticeship plumbing students from TAFE NSW, under the supervision and coordination of Greg Fahey, Peter Bowler and Jeff Hill, all from the TAFE NSW Plumbing section, worked together install piping and draining. The equipment and materials for the project were generously supplied by Coates Hire Gladesville, Seymour Building Supplies (Gladesville), Reln Plumbing Supplies and Consolidates Alloys.

BBM Ltd became a prominent international pathway for WorldSkills Australia in 2000, when the two organisations first partnered to select and grant young and talented competitors with scholarships to travel to the United Kingdom to participate in a two week leadership development course.