Design, Development and Acceptability of a Training Mock-Up for Plumbing Installation

Plumbing installation demands hands-on competence, yet many technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs lack accessible, realistic training platforms for students. This study designed, developed, and evaluated the acceptability of a training mock-up for plumbing installation to address instructional gaps in Industrial Arts education. Grounded in Experiential Learning Theory and Cognitive Load Theory, the research employed a descriptive developmental research design executed across four phases: needs assessment (N=34), prototype development, multi-stakeholder validation (N=10), and a pilot study with student end-users (N=25). Data gathered via structured Likert-scale instruments and qualitative focus group discussions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Needs assessment results revealed that traditional teaching methods inadequately covered practical plumbing installation skills (M=3.03,SD=0.521) and that students struggled to connect classroom code lessons to real-world application (M=3.06,SD=0.649). Respondents strongly agreed that a dedicated, portable plumbing training mock-up would significantly improve learning outcomes (M=3.35,SD=0.646). Essential components including shut-off valves, PVC piping, fittings, and control valves were rated "Very Important," with elbow fittings receiving the highest priority (M=3.62,SD=0.493). Multi-stakeholder expert validation rated the mock-up prototype "Very Good" in technical accuracy (M=4.40,SD=0.497), instructional design (M=4.10,SD=0.516), and safety (M=4.00,SD=0.527), while its realistic components achieved "Excellent" ratings (M=4.60,SD=0.548). Comparative evaluation demonstrated significant instructional advantages over traditional benchwork. Pilot implementation confirmed high student usability and post-activity skill acquisition. The study concludes that the developed mock-up is technically accurate, safe, durable, and instructionally sound, providing a robust, student-centered solution for TVET plumbing instruction.

Plumbing Installation, Training Mock-Up, Industrial Arts Education, Technical-Vocational Education, Instructional Material, Developmental Research

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