That's why he decided to make the change from a career in butchery to being a plumber.

"While I'm keeping a hand in the butchery game through some weekend work, after more than 20 years working indoors, I'm loving working as an apprentice plumber in the great outdoors," Mr Walters said.

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The Certificate III Plumbing student will have to receive three years of education at TAFE NSW Goulburn and spend two years gaining his license.

The 37-year-old, who started the course last October, said he was looking forward to the benefits of having more than one qualification.

"It was a bit of a challenge changing careers, but for me, the advantages in gaining another qualification outweighed the risk," he said.

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"This will mean I have more employment choices in relation to the type of work I do and where I do it."

He is lucky enough to be taught by former Australian WorldSkills champion Andrew Whalan.

"Every day I'm learning something new in the plumbing industry, both on the job and at TAFE where my teachers share their industry experience," Mr Walters said.

"With their help, I'm honing my practical skills covering the full range of plumbing from civil to domestic. This means I'm better prepared to deal with any scenario I come across on a job site."

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Mr Whalan said his students "learn hands-on skills in the latest plumbing techniques from sheet metal work and working with flashing, through to welding, sanitation and irrigation".

"Plumbing is a trade that is more involved than people might think and it offers a lot of variety."

Mr Walters puts aside a 22-year butchery career to embark on this new journey in his life.

For more information about learning a trade or switching careers visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 13.16.01.

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