Your Instructor, Rob Welke
Rob Welke has spent 58 years in the water pumping and hydraulics industry. In that time he has commissioned dozens of pumps and pipelines, monitored 130,000 kW of pumping equipment, identified over $850,000 in annual electricity savings, and trained more than 850 professionals across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Europe.
He has also never sold a single pump, valve, fitting, or piece of equipment. Not once. Not ever.
In an industry where most training comes with a manufacturer's logo on the cover, that's not a small thing. It means every course Rob delivers, every tool he recommends, and every conclusion he draws is based purely on engineering evidence — with no supplier relationship, no sales commission, and no agenda except yours. Worldwide, that level of independence is almost impossible to find. Rob is one of a kind.
In 2015, Rob distilled five decades of hard-won knowledge into the Pumping System Master Class — now called Sustainable Pumping — a course unlike anything else in the industry. Built from real-world experience, not product catalogues. Backed by purpose-built software and phone-app calculators Rob developed himself. Delivered to over 850 professionals across 106 classes in Australia, New Zealand, Sth Africa, USA and the EU.
It's the course you get when the trainer has nothing to sell you.
Rob holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and has practised as a Para-Professional Mechanical Engineer since 1971. He is a Certified Irrigation Agronomist and Irrigation Auditor with Irrigation Australia, and holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment.
In recent years he has returned to his Water and Wastewater roots — bringing the same uncompromised independence that has defined his entire career.
“Robert has a knack for detail unlike any I’ve encountered. His ability to cut through peripheral detail to target the fundamental causes enable Rob to fulfil his brief in a timely and thorough manner. What I appreciate most about Robert is that he will not compromise on quality and therefore delivers the best possible outcome. Whatever problem you find yourself with, he will find the optimal solution.”
A Legacy of Expertise:
Decades of Innovation in Pumping Systems
During the early 1970s, Rob Welke began his career as an assistant to the Pumping Engineer at SA Water. His versatile skill set and innovative thinking quickly set him apart, leading to a rapid rise within the organisation. Rob became a key figure in numerous pumping system investigations and was even recognised as a “poster boy” for SA Water’s “Investigations and Technical Policy” branch.
The featured newspaper photo, taken by The Advertiser in 1973, captures Rob testing a pump at the Millbrook Pumping Station as part of a “Job Week” promotion—an early testament to his hands-on expertise and dedication to the field.
From these formative years, Rob’s career snowballed, and his ability to think beyond conventional solutions saw him selected for critical investigations within the Investigations and Technical Policy Branch of the Engineering & Water Supply Department (now SA Water).
Today, much of what Rob teaches is built on the foundations of this era—decades of real-world experience that provide unmatched depth to his training in sustainable pumping systems.
Podcast
In this Pod Cast, The Good Drop with Hawkes & AD, both Water and Wastewater Engineers from WSP in Brisbane, explore Rob’s background, and how his early childhood experiences on the family farm have shaped Rob’s experience and attitude to present day Sustainable Pumping.
In the conversation, Rob discusses his passion for pumping system energy efficiency and sustainability, and talks about his training program which is the conduit for sharing his knowledge.
“Robert Welke your broad experience in the subject combined with a perfectly organized structure of the course really hit the spot. Enjoyed every second of it. Very excited about using the tools provided!”
Diego Carrillo - Technical Manager EMEA/APAC
Lindsay International, Netherlands
“If you’re interested in upping your game and refining your pump knowledge this is the opportunity. The tools provided as part of the classes are very useful for design as well as sales. Don’t miss this wonderful chance to differentiate yourself from the competition!
Jim Phene, President, Epiphene
California, USA