A Mungindi father of two has relaunched his career as a plumber in his late 50s, taking up an apprenticeship through TAFE NSW Tamworth as demand for skilled trades continues to surge across the region.
Francois Henning, 58, is now a first-year apprentice with Moree business A C Thomson & Son after completing the required local qualifications through a Certificate III in Plumbing at TAFE NSW.
Mr Henning previously ran a construction company in Bloemfontein before moving to Australia with his family in 2018. He settled in Mungindi, where he spent several years working at a local service station and as a school groundsman.
Looking to improve his family’s financial security, he decided to return to plumbing, a trade he first learned decades ago.
He said taking the step back into the industry had been one of the best decisions he had made.
“It’s been difficult to rebuild, but I’m grateful to the community and to TAFE NSW for the support they have given,” Mr Henning said.
Despite being significantly older than many of his classmates, he said the age gap had not been a barrier to learning.
“My classmates make a few jokes but they’re pretty well-behaved,” he said.
“I’m still learning a lot at TAFE NSW, even though I did my trade years ago. Technology has advanced in plumbing and at TAFE NSW, I learn the latest skills on the latest equipment.”
Mr Henning attends TAFE NSW Tamworth in one-week learning blocks every six weeks, combining study with on-the-job training in Moree.
He said the physical demands of returning to the trade had been noticeable but manageable.
“The first month was a bit rough on my back and legs but I’m starting to get work-fit,” he said.
He also credited TAFE teachers for helping him adapt to modern learning environments.
“There were no computers when I went to school so I’m not very computer educated,” he said.
“But the teachers are happy to make allowances so I have the best chance possible to succeed.”
His story comes as new data shows Australia will need an additional 116,700 construction workers to meet housing targets, with plumbers among the most in-demand trades.
TAFE NSW Tamworth head plumbing teacher Michael Burn said Mr Henning’s cohort reflected a broader shift in the industry.
“Plumbing is a trade in transition and a far more diverse range of people are recognising what a rewarding career it is,” Mr Burn said.
He said the class included a mix of ages and backgrounds, highlighting growing interest in the trade beyond traditional school-leaver pathways.
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