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Workforce Development: Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Tradespeople
- Our Approach
- Workforce Development
Introducing Plumbing Careers for a Healthier World
Across the world, there’s a growing shortage of skilled plumbers, yet many young people and job seekers don’t know how to take the first step into the trade. or even understand what plumbers really do.
The gap is even wider in underserved regions, where plumbing expertise is rarely seen day-to day. Without a new generation of skilled labor to maintain and expand water and sanitation systems, investments in WASH improvements can’t reach their full potential.
How Does IWSH Create Pathways Into the Plumbing Profession?
The International Water Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH®) includes workforce development and local capacity building in every IWSH Plumbing Champions event and IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge® project.
IWSH connects students and job seekers with industry professionals on projects that make a visible difference in their communities. Participants don’t just learn about plumbing systems; they experience the profession's satisfaction firsthand. They see how their contributions improve the lives of their families and neighbors.
Our approach reflects IWSH’s proven model:
Skilled plumbers + quality products + community education = scalable WASH impact
Each IWSH initiative builds awareness of plumbing’s essential role, fosters respect for the trade, and inspires more people to pursue meaningful careers in the skilled workforce.
Manila, Philippines
Strengthening Hospital Plumbing to Safeguard Patients & Staff
IWSH partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Plumbing Council (WPC) to strengthen hospital plumbing systems and support the WHO-UNICEF WASH in Healthcare Facilities program, improving hygiene and care for patients and staff.
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Walpole Island, Ontario Canada
Learning Basic Maintenance
IWSH supported a First Nations initiative to not only help improve water management within their community building, but also to work with community youth and members to learn about basic plumbing maintenance while introducing them to the plumbing profession.
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MIMAL Project, Australia
Inspiring Future Tradespeople with Real-World Experience
In partnership with MIMAL and local plumbing professionals, IWSH supported a water and sanitation project that brought students onto the worksite to learn about the impact of plumbing on public health, sparking interest in trade careers.
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Investing in the Future Workforce
100% of donor contributions to IWSH are directed to projects that introduce plumbing fundamentals, connect youth with licensed professionals, and build awareness of the trade’s vital role in public health—all guided by the plumbing expertise of IAPMO.By supporting initiatives like IWSH Plumbing Champions and the IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge, you join a purpose-driven network funding the future of plumbing on the front lines of WASH improvement.
Follow The Future of Plumbing
When you subscribe to IWSH updates, you’ll meet the professionals, students, mentors, and industry partners who are reshaping what the plumbing industry means around the world.
Your involvement helps expand these initiatives, inspire new talent, and change more lives through the power of plumbing.
