Tēnā koe,
Submissions for the 2026 YPOTY Branch Skills Tests are still open for our Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors. These are due shortly for our Young Plumber AND Apprentice competitiors. Some points to note follow that we hope will help you in the formulation of your tests.
BRANCH SKILLS TEST
These tests should be a quick-fire practical test focused on simple, fundamental knowledge and skills from the Plumbers/Gasfitters core trade competencies.
This year you have the option of versioning your test for our Apprentice division or bringing an entirely seperate test. This is entirely your call and we suggest versioning your test is the most practical approach for your eventing team. Happy to discuss this with you.
The following points are worth noting when formulating your test:
- HOW: A detailed diagram and process of your skills test(s) (YPOTY & Apprentice); how they will work for each division.
- WHAT/FOCUS: what are you testing speed/accuracy, system construction, problem solving, servicing/maintenance, product knowledge.
- TIMING: Optimal timeframe to complete the test is 5 minutes in duration. A short introduction and overview need to accompany this.
- MARKING CRITERIA: Please provide specific marking schedule criteria (timing, process etc.).
With the apprentice division we suggest taking a more coaching focus to their test and marking criteria. Branch skill test submissions are due no later than 4pm Friday 27th March 2026. We will extend this if required, please let Dan know so he can work through this with you.
NEXT STEPS
Once approved you will need to create several sets of your test (2-3 in case of breakages etc.) to cover your branch events. Given the new Apprentice division you may want addtional gear with your test kit. We will leave this with you to work out with your team.
BRANCH EVENT PREFERENCES
We have almost finalised our full event schedule.
Your preferences have all been accommodated however until you see this we will not know where we need to make tweaks. This schedule will be shared with our Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors shortly. If you have any issues, revisions, or feedback please make contact with daniel.keenan@plumbingworld.co.nz.
Based on sponsor feedback the YPC team are working hard to ensure branch events are well organised compared to previous competitions.
LOGISTICS
In 2026 sponsors will once again manage the transportation of their branch skills tests and banners between allocated events. Please bear this in mind when building your skills tests. The Young Plumbers team will continue to manage Regional and National Final equipment logistics.
Thanks again for your support, we cannot wait to get into the competition schedule.
Ngā Mihi
Young Plumbers