Data on Complaints Regarding Employer Delays in Plumber Licence Application Sign-offs, Application Outcomes and Improving Competency Assessment

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment over the past year (a) how many complaints the Public Utilities Board (PUB) received regarding employers delaying sign-offs on work logs or testimonials for plumber licence applicants; (b) how many of these applicants PUB successfully assisted; (c) how PUB rendered such assistance; and (d) whether it will consider adopting digital logbooks or an independent technical panel to assess trade competencies directly.

Since the revised Licensed Plumber (LP) scheme was introduced in 2018, PUB has not received any feedback regarding delays in sign-offs or testimonials for LP applications.

LP mentors play an essential role in verifying that applicants have accumulated the necessary practical experience and demonstrated the ability to perform plumbing works competently. This is a role that cannot be replaced by digital logbooks nor an independent technical panel.