ATT's Apprenticeships Hit a Record High for 2017

ATT's Apprenticeships Hit a Record High for 2017
Managed-apprenticeship model is a winner

ATT’s managed apprenticeship scheme has hit a record high with 361 apprentices working for the organisation in 2017. There are 321 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices, and 40 electrical apprentices employed by ATT across the country. ATT is the largest single employer of plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices in New Zealand.

Chief Executive Gray Paterson says, “We are delighted that more and more young people choose to undertake their apprenticeship with ATT. We see this recognition very much as an endorsement of the success of our managed-apprentice model”

Pioneered by ATT 26 years ago, the managed-apprenticeship model has ATT recruiting, employing and placing apprentices with host businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and electrical trades. Almost 200 business throughout New Zealand use the ATT model.

“The managed-apprenticeship model takes all the administration hassle of employing an apprentice. Not only does ATT handle the details of paying the apprentice’s wages including their ACC, KiwiSaver and monitoring their holiday and sick pay, but also we ensure the apprentice is fully conversed in health and safety matters. All new apprentices are required to complete their Site Safe Passport and their induction course covers workplace first aid, and confined space hazards and fall arrest - depending on the particular trade. We also provide our apprentices with a full set of personal protection equipment,” explains Mr Paterson.

Apprentices are visited regularly during their apprenticeship by an ATT Area Manager; each apprentice is mentored and managed over their three or four year apprenticeship.

Host business Bassett’s Plumbing and Drainage in Albany has worked with ATT in its managed-apprenticeship model since 2003. Director, Darren Smyth says Bassett’s got fed up with having to work with different training establishments and constantly changing staff. However, Mr Smyth emphasises the primary benefit has been ATT’s mentoring of their apprentices. “Whilst many young people cope well with life in general, there are a few who need more help. ATT is the vehicle to achieve this higher level of HR management than most independent employers can offer.”

Christchurch plumbing specialist, Sam Moody of Mood’s Plumbing, agrees. “Working with ATT’s model gives us much peace-of-mind having our apprentices managed well with their block courses, safety gear and so on. It gives me a lot more time to focus on the work and growing our business.

“We’re particularly grateful that ATT manages the entire recruitment process. By the time apprentices have been screened and interviewed, these young people have a very good idea about what sort of work their apprenticeship entails and how it’s structured. And they know that if they’re going to be a plumber or drainlayer that there’s often lots of mud and lying in confined spaces!”

ATT’s CEO, Gray Paterson says his team is delighted to employ this record number of apprentices. “Our aim is to keep growing our managed-apprenticeship model. In particular, we are keen to attract more women, and more Māori and Pasifika young people. We fully expect to have 430 apprentices on board by the end of this year.”
ATT recruits, employs and places apprentices into ‘host’ businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and electrical trades. Established in 1991, ATT operates from four locations – Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch; its head office is in Highbrook in South Auckland.

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