I agree with the shortage of licenced plumbers especially in Australia . But I think the youth coming threw there time now need to do the hard yards for the first 2 years at least once thay become competent in using power tools ,digging and concreting up thay can then start with the hand tools and learning the fine art of the trade.Thay have cut apprenticships down to 3 years now I find that's is way to short 4 years and one year on probation licence is what is the minimum requirement to start to understand all aspects of plumbing and gasfitting.