The Plumber from Down Under learns about Skills... the Irish way!

Australian Plumbing Champion has just completed the first month of his WorldSkills Champions Exchange experience in Dublin, Ireland.

Working with a network of plumbers across Ireland, he's spending 12 months learning new plumbing techniques. During the course of his exchange, Andrew will rotate between four companies, organised by WorldSkills Champions Exchange Connector and Chief Expert for Plumbing, John Smartt.

"I chose to take part in the Champions Exchange to further develop and improve my skills and knowledge of plumbing by working with people from other countries, using new materials, and learning about different products on the market," Andrew said.

His first post is with Dublin based plumbing contractors Haughton & Young, specialists in Plumbing and Heating, Environmental Service and Mechanical and Electrical contracts. Here Andrew will learn the antipodean way of installing plumbing services for both domestic and commercial purposes, including everything from hydronic heating to fire service and gas systems -quite different to his experiences ‘Down Under'.

Andrew's joined in Dublin by his Australian girlfriend Lauren, who used her restaurant service skills to pick up work in a local Café.

Before the pair kick-started their work life in Ireland, they took time to embark on a road-trip exploring the green hills and seaside towns of country Ireland. They've kissed the Blarney stone, climbed the highest mountain on Valencia Ireland and paid a visit to Muckross House.

So, what do they think of life in Ireland?

"We're settling in now, but it's certainly a little colder than Australia is this time of year. We've seen some great sites, and are enjoying the Irish humour and hospitality - the pictures capture it all. It really is a beautiful country".