By Eamonn Ryan | All photos by Eamonn Ryan
Andy Rivers has been collecting, with unrivalled passion, antique plumbing tools and literature for the last 25 years. It started with a couple of blow lamps and quickly escalated to any antique tools.
He has an extensive collection of plumbing tools that have either been donated or he has purchased when the opportunity arises.
Also read: This is plumbing: The Museum of Plumbing Part 2
He has made many friends in the plumbing industry through his amazing tool collection. When Rivers did his plumbing apprenticeship, nearly 60 years ago in England, all tradesman were considered for employment by prospective employers looking at their toolboxes. A good tool kit was almost always guaranteed a job.
“In the 4th Industrial Revolution, Andy reckons that plumbers will have to have skills beyond what is currently required.”
After Andy completed his five-year apprenticeship and City and Guilds qualification, he immigrated to South Africa when he was 22. In 1974 he started his own business, mainly in the Johannesburg and Hillbrow areas. Over the last 46 years he has trained over 100 apprentices, most of whom have gone off to open their own successful businesses. Since 1994 he made great strides in apprenticeships and trade tests with previously disadvantaged individuals. This is something that he is extremely enthusiastic about and will possibly continue after retirement.
In the 4th Industrial Revolution, Andy reckons that plumbers will have to have skills beyond what is currently required. Technology and computers are taking over the industry with heat pumps, solar, computerised systems and green building ratings.
It is an exciting time for a young person coming into the industry.
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