In a significant step towards strengthening India’s plumbing and water management ecosystem, the Water Management and Plumbing Skill Council (WMPSC) — the apex body for skill development in the water management and plumbing sectors in India, operating under the aegis of NCVET and NSDC, and a key initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship—formally launched WaterPro, a flagship skill development initiative, in collaboration with Kohler, a global leader with over 150 years of excellence in design, innovation, and craftsmanship, offering premium kitchen and bath solutions that combine bold aesthetics with smart, sustainable technology.
The launch marks the beginning of a structured, industry-driven approach to advanced plumbing skilling one that aligns global standards with India’s growing demand for quality, sustainability, and precision in water infrastructure.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for WaterPro was exchanged between Mr Ranjit Oak, President, Kohler India and South Asia & Mr Varun Tandon, CEO, Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council. The collaboration was formalised in the esteemed presence of the Kohler’s leadership team and the occasion was further enriched by the presence of WMPSC Board Members, Mr Hemant Sud and Mr M. K. Gupta, whose insights reinforced the importance of collaborative leadership in building a future-ready workforce.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Ranjeet Oak, President South Asia, Kohler Co. said“At Kohler, we believe that access to safe water and well-designed infrastructure begins with skilled hands on the ground. WaterPro reflects our long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and responsible water management. By partnering with WMPSC, we are bringing together global best practices and industry-led training to help build a future-ready plumbing workforce for India. This initiative goes beyond technical skilling; it is about professionalising plumbing as a respected, technology-driven profession, while creating meaningful career pathways for technicians. As India advances towards sustainable urbanisation, collaborations like WaterPro will play a vital role in strengthening water infrastructure and ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency across the ecosystem.”
Mr. Varun Tandon, CEO, WMPSC, added, “The launch of WaterPro marks a transformative milestone in our mission to set new benchmarks for plumbing excellence in India. By integrating Kohler’s global expertise with WMPSC’s robust skilling framework, we are not just training individuals; we are empowering a generation of professionals who will be the backbone of India’s water-secure future. This partnership is a testament to how industry and government bodies can collaborate to create a highly skilled, certified, and dignified workforce capable of handling the complexities of modern infrastructure.”
A New Benchmark in Professional Plumbing
WaterPro has been envisioned as more than a training programme. It is a platform designed to professionalise plumbing through advanced technical training, exposure to global best practices, and a strong emphasis on new technologies, quality, safety, and sustainability. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by WMPSC and Kohler to elevate the perception and practice of plumbing as a skilled, respected, and technology driven profession, one that is directly linked to ensuring access to safe water for the community.
The programme integrates hands-on training with industry relevant knowledge, ensuring that technicians are not only job-ready but future-ready capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern residential, commercial, and luxury infrastructure.
From Vision to Action
The launch of WaterPro was accompanied by the successful completion of its pilot batch in Gurugram, with 37 plumbing technicians undergoing training and participating in the inaugural ceremony. Their inclusion symbolised the core objective of the initiative: empowering technicians in skilled and certified professionals by placing them at the centre of industry transformation.
Shaping the Future of Water Management
As India continues its journey towards sustainable urbanisation and water efficiency, the role of skilled plumbing professionals becomes increasingly critical. WaterPro aims to bridge this gap by fostering Govt-industry collaboration, standardising best practices, and creating pathways for continuous upskilling with industry playing an active role in the same.
Through WaterPro, WMPSC and Kohler reaffirm their shared vision of building a resilient, skilled, and globally competitive plumbing workforce one that supports India’s infrastructure ambitions while upholding the highest standards of excellence.
The initiative stands as a testament to the power of meaningful partnerships in shaping the future of skilling, craftsmanship, and water stewardship in India.
