Deaf plumber Jarrod takes the plunge

Oct. 14, 2014, 4 a.m.

TODAYS workforce is tough enough for young people just starting out, but for Tamworth TAFE student Jarrod Shackleton, theres another hurdle he has to clear on a daily basis.

ON THE JOB: Jarrod Shackleton doesn't let his hearing impairment stand in the way of career success. Photo: Gareth Gardner 131014GGB03

TODAYS workforce is tough enough for young people just starting out, but for Tamworth TAFE student Jarrod Shackleton, theres another hurdle he has to clear on a daily basis.

Jarrod is hearing-impaired, which presents a few more challenges than usual in the completion of his plumbing apprenticeship not that hes complaining.

I love the hard work, which is a challenge, I love that the job can be different each day, at a different location, and I also enjoy meeting different people, he said.

Hes proving himself a talent in his trade, too, recently being named among just 25 apprentice plumbers nationwide to secure a $1000 grant from Rheem.

Jarrod, who lives and works in Denman and makes a 370km round trip to Tamworth for TAFEevery few months, says receiving instructions from his employer is probably his biggest on-the-job challenge.

I receive a lot of hand signals and I lip-read, but its more watching and having a hands-on approach to everything, he said.

When I work under or on top of a house, I have an FM system which deaf people use.

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Deaf plumber Jarrod takes the plunge