Training the Next Generation of Plumbers
13 May 2026
Rheem® has been working with plumbers in New Zealand for more than sixty years. Over that time the technology behind hot water systems has changed significantly, but the role of the plumber hasn’t. Installers are still the people homeowners rely on to recommend the right system and make sure it’s installed properly.
What has changed is the technology plumbers are working with. Alongside traditional electric cylinders, the market is now seeing more heat pump water heaters, and there are other emerging technologies that are soon to be introduced in 2026. These technologies can significantly reduce the energy needed to heat water, but they also introduce new installation requirements and system considerations. For plumbers, that means keeping up with how these systems work and how they’re installed in real homes.
Training has always been part of Rheem’s approach to supporting the trade. Through programmes such as Training for Tradies, nationwide regular training sessions and the Rheem® Learning online tool, plumbers, merchants, and industry partners can access practical guidance on installation, product selection and troubleshooting.
The latest step in that commitment is the launch of the Rheem® Innovation and Learning Centre (ILC) in Auckland. The ILC has been created as a place where plumbers and others in the industry can see the latest water heating technology up close. The ILC features a range of technologies that are becoming increasingly relevant in the New Zealand market, such as hot water heat pumps.
Rather than just reading about new systems in product guides, plumbers can see how the equipment works, how different components connect, and what installation looks like in practice. The idea is simple: give installers the chance to interact with the technology so they’re comfortable recommending and installing it.
Why This Matters
Water heating is one of the largest users of electricity in New Zealand homes. As the country moves toward greater electrification and more efficient energy use, new technologies are expected to play a larger role in how households heat water.
Heat pump water heaters, for example, can use up to 80% less energy than traditional electric hot water cylinders. These systems offer clear benefits, but they also require plumbers to understand how they operate and how they fit into different homes.
Rheem® has invested heavily into the Innovation and Learning Centre as part of its ongoing commitment to the plumbing industry. More than 1,000 people are expected to visit the Centre during its first year, including plumbers, gasfitters, merchants and specifiers. We are proud to support tradies in New Zealand, so if you’re a plumber looking to upskill on the latest hot water technology, get in touch to book in a training session.
The new Rheem® Innovation and Learning Centre (ILC) in Auckland
Inside the new Rheem® Innovation and Learning Centre (ILC) in Auckland
