Water technology and plumbing are no longer viewed as traditional trades alone; they have evolved into dynamic, technology-driven sectors that integrate sustainability, smart systems, and global skill standards. With increasing emphasis on STEM integration, green infrastructure, and international bench-marking through skills competitions, this sector is emerging as a powerful career pathway for young professionals.
In this conversation, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder–Director of National Skills Network-NSN, speaks with Mr. Chintan Daiya, Partner at D’Plumbing Consultants and ITPD for WorldSkills Shanghai, about the evolving landscape of water technology, plumbing, and global skills competitions.
The discussion highlights the journey from IndiaSkills to WorldSkills, showcasing how water technology integrates STEM and how skills competitions benchmark global standards. Mr. Chintan Daiya shares insights on India’s preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai, the growing focus on sustainability and smart water systems, and the importance of structured training frameworks. He also emphasizes breaking stereotypes and encourages youth to explore water management as a future-ready, globally relevant career path.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in water technology plumbing, and how did this journey lead you to WorldSkills?
A. I come from the plumbing and water management industry. I am a proud fourth-generation plumber, and although the profession has often carried a social stigma, I consider it an honor to continue a family legacy dedicated to plumbing, water conservation, and sustainable water management. That foundation has shaped both my professional journey and my passion for this field.
Q. How can skills competitions support work-integrated education and change perceptions in water technology and plumbing?
A. Water management and plumbing are strong real-world examples of how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) come together in practice.
Here’s how each component applies:
1. Science
- Involves hydraulics and fluid mechanics
- Understanding water quality and chemistry
- Knowledge of national and international drinking water standards
- Designing systems for water transmission and disposal
2. Technology
- Use of advanced tools, smart fixtures, and automated systems
- Integration of IoT-enabled and modern water solutions
- Ensuring efficiency, safety, and reliability in installations
- Delivering water efficiently, from the tap, not unintended leak points
3. Engineering
- Designing complete water supply and drainage systems
- Correct sizing of pipelines and fittings
- Ensuring proper installation for adequate pressure and flow
- Maintaining both quality and quantity standards
4. Mathematics
- Hydraulic calculations and load assessments
- Measuring flow rates and pressure levels
- Planning efficient systems that minimize wastage
- Supporting sustainability through precise calculations
This is why water technology is one of the most practical and powerful examples of STEM in action. Skills competitions further strengthen this by introducing structured assessments and global benchmarking standards that push candidates to achieve excellence.
Q. How can India strengthen awareness and preparation for the journey from IndiaSkills to WorldSkills?
A. Skills competitions began in Europe in the 1950s and have since evolved into a well-established global movement. Many countries have built strong institutional ecosystems around these competitions over several decades. Although India joined later, the country has demonstrated consistent progress, with performance steadily improving and aspirations to enter the global top 10 rankings.
At the participant level, the journey begins early. Most WorldSkills competitions are open to candidates under the age of 22, with a few skills allowing participation up to 25. In India, the selection process follows a structured pathway:
- District (Cluster) Level Competitions
- State Level Competitions
- Regional Level Competitions across five zones: North, South, East, West, and Northeast
- National Competition, where top competitors across more than 60 skills compete
National winners are subsequently selected for advanced training to represent India at the WorldSkills Competition. The upcoming edition will be held in September in Shanghai, China.
This multi-tiered framework ensures rigorous assessment, progressive benchmarking, and the identification of the country’s best talent for global representation.
Q. How are trainers and experts supported in preparing candidates for the WorldSkills competitions, and what level of time and resource investment is required?
A. There is a noticeable difference in the duration and structure of preparation across countries. In several nations such as Korea, Japan, and parts of Europe, candidates undergo long-term, highly structured training programs. During a recent visit to Korea, one candidate shared that he had trained for three years to qualify for the national competition, followed by an additional two years of preparation for the WorldSkills stage which is a total of five years dedicated to reaching that level.
India typically works within a more compressed timeline. While extended preparation has its advantages, the effectiveness of training is not determined solely by duration. Focused, structured, and technically sound training within a defined time frame can also yield strong outcomes. It is important to note that practice must be guided correctly; sustained practice without proper technical direction may reinforce errors rather than excellence.
Beyond time, several other factors are critical; robust infrastructure, access to high-quality tools and equipment, financial investment, and experienced trainers. India has progressively strengthened its ecosystem in this regard. Expert coaches and technical specialists work closely with selected candidates to ensure they are trained to international benchmarks and prepared to perform confidently on the global stage.
The gold medal achieved by India in water technology stands as a clear example of how structured preparation, expert mentoring, and focused investment can lead to world-class performance.
Q. What key trends or changes can we expect at this year’s WorldSkills competition?
A. One significant aspect of this year’s competition is that it will be hosted in China, a country widely recognized for its technological scale, manufacturing strength, and emphasis on innovation. This naturally raises expectations for a high level of sophistication in infrastructure and technical standards.
In the area of water technology and plumbing, there is likely to be a strong focus on sustainable systems and environmentally responsible products. Candidates may be expected not only to install advanced systems but also to demonstrate knowledge of sustainable materials, maintenance practices, and troubleshooting methods that align with green standards.
In recent years, WorldSkills has increasingly emphasized sustainability and environmental consciousness across many skill categories. This shift reflects global priorities toward resource efficiency and responsible infrastructure development.
Given China’s position as a major manufacturing hub, it is reasonable to expect a broader range of products, components, and technical elements within the competition infrastructure. This could translate into more complex installations, a wider product list, and expanded assessment parameters, requiring candidates to demonstrate both adaptability and comprehensive technical expertise.
Also read: IndiaSkills Competition 2025-26: Pathway to WorldSkills, Shanghai
Q. What advice would you offer the youth about exploring career opportunities in the water technology sector?
A. Youth are at the center of skills competitions, and they are also the ones best positioned to reshape perceptions about traditional professions. When I chose to enter plumbing as a young person, it was often met with surprise and skepticism because of the social stigma attached to the profession. At the time, I did not fully recognize the weight of that perception.
Looking back today, I take pride in the impact that can be created through this skill. A significant milestone was when India had its first Female candidate in Plumbing and Heating, at WorldSkills. That moment reflected a powerful shift in mindset.
WorldSkills represents this spirit of breaking barriers and challenging conventional classifications. The younger generation has the ability to redefine these narratives and choose careers based on passion and potential rather than outdated perceptions.
