Silent Achievers: Building the Future of Plumbing in Bundaberg

Reece Store Manager Raydn Oaklands and Queensland TAFE Teacher Alex Markby

The strength of any industry lies not only in its products or projects, but also in the people working tirelessly behind the scenes.

In Bundaberg, a new chapter for the plumbing sector is being written – one driven by collaboration, quiet dedication, and deep commitment to apprentices and the construction workforce.

Last week, I visited the Reece Multi-site in Bundaberg, a relatively new site that has quickly become a cornerstone for the local plumbing community. There I spoke with Store Manager Raydn Oaklands and local TAFE Queensland Teacher Alex Markby. Our discussion highlighted a challenge for many regional areas: the shortage of skilled tradespeople and the pressing need to support apprentices in their journey. 

What stood out is how the Bundaberg Reece Team has stepped up to the challenge through the donation of fixtures and fittings to TAFE Queensland's Bundaberg campus, ensuring apprentices are gaining access to the tools and products they’ll be using throughout their careers. This kind of support ensures training is practical, current and industry-relevant, an essential step in keeping young tradespeople engaged and on track for success. 

Alex Markby’s story adds another layer. Since moving to Bundaberg in 2022 he has become a passionate advocate for the plumbing trade. At TAFE Queensland, he is deeply involved with ensuring the success of apprentices, working closely with Master Plumbers Association of Queensland (MPAQ) Members and plumbing businesses to include industry partners to give students not only the technical skills but also the confidence and insight required to thrive in the workforce. 

Bundaberg’s plumbing training sector has been on a steady road to revival since 2020. Once known for its strong education and support systems, the region is now rebuilding that reputation. Industry Associations, TAFE Queensland, and local businesses are uniting the best possible outcomes for apprentices today, so the industry remains strong tomorrow. 

These efforts often go unnoticed and unspoken. Especially the TAFE teachers and educators who go that extra mile, the suppliers who donate resources and the plumbing businesses that mentor the next generation coming through – they are shaping the future of the trade in very real ways. 

As the conversation about skill shortages grows louder across Queensland and the rest of the country, Bundaberg provides an important reminder that community-driven support and industry collaboration are not just optional extras – they are essential. The plumbing industry doesn’t thrive on the efforts alone of any individual but on the combined strength of TAFE teachers, and business and industry leaders to include associations who invest in people coming up behind them. 

To those silent achievers and beyond, the plumbing industry owes you a thank you! Your work may be quiet and flies under the radar but its impact is anything but.