Plumbing World Scholarships awarded

Plumbing World Scholarships awarded to outstanding apprentices

Source: NZ Plumber

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Six Masterlink apprentices, based from the Far North to the far South of New Zealand, have been awarded Plumbing World Scholarships at the 2018 New Zealand Plumbing Awards in Hamilton on 23 March.

Masterlink, owned by Master Plumbers, is a mentored apprenticeship group scheme that employs apprentices and places them with host plumbing, gasfitting and/or drainlaying firms.

To be considered for the scholarships, candidates must demonstrate diligence in their studies and personal growth over the past year.

These apprentices are seen as true assets to the businesses who provide them with the on-job training towards their plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting qualifications.

Leon Watson - Hosted by Adams Plumbing, Mosgiel, Otago

Leon had been running the family farm for many years since leaving school, often working on irrigation systems. In his early thirties, he decided he wanted to change career and get a qualification in plumbing. He studied hard from day one and took evening classes to improve his literacy. He recently passed his tradesman exams with high marks and will be completing his apprenticeship soon. Leon has been mentoring younger apprentices - helping them with their studies and showing them the ropes on site. He has proved to be a dedicated, hard-working and loyal apprentice, who recently completed the plumbing installation for a block of units under a tight deadline ahead of schedule. Leon is planning on sitting his certifying exam this year. He has a great future ahead of him in the industry.

Tom Walls - Hosted by The Plumber, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay

Tom’s boss Jamie Blakely says the quality of Tom’s workmanship and his attention to detail get stronger every day. Tom is a team player and a great collaborator equally out on work sites and in team meetings. He always contributes valuable ideas to discussions. Jamie has been giving him more autonomy in his work and is impressed by his problem-solving skills and ability to improvise - something which came to the fore recently when he assisted a customer with their overflowing septic tank two days before a family wedding was due to take place on the property. After diagnosing the problem Tom arranged for the tank to be emptied and the drains jet-cleaned that morning. He gets excellent feedback from customers and colleagues.

Valentino Eyer - Hosted by Rogers & Rogers Plumbers, Drainlayers, Roofers and Gasfitters, Kaitaia, Northland

Valentino has risen through the ranks at Rogers & Rogers thanks to his academic ability and high skill levels. Within his first year he quickly became capable of excellent work and progressed to having his own van filled with stock. Clients often ask for him by name. He represented Rogers & Rogers in Plumbing World’s inaugural 2017 Young Plumber of the Year competition, winning the Far North regional competition and placing fourth in the semi-finals - despite only having one year’s plumbing experience. Those who have worked with Valentino and seen his work believe he will make an outstanding tradesman and be a real asset to the industry.

Kaleb Reeve - Hosted by Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services, Waikato

Kaleb’s attitude is what sets him apart from a lot of people, says his boss Dave Strong. He is punctual, honest and a team player - qualities which have gained him the respect of both his colleagues and clients. Kaleb represented the Waikato Region in the 2017 World Skills competition and won the Best All Round Year 2 Apprentice Award at the 2017 Waikato Master Plumbers Awards. He was also a finalist for Masterlink Apprentice of the Year. This year he appeared in a promotional video aimed at school leavers considering a career in plumbing - which shows just how far he has grown in confidence in the past year. Kaleb’s block course reports show a high level of consistency and he thrives on the challenge of the theory. He has become a valued member of the MPG team.

Albert Singh - Hosted by W. Mattson Ltd, Ellerslie, Auckland

Albert has achieved a high level of skills for someone in the second year of their apprenticeship. His boss Tony Mattson says he was already quite a mature young man when he joined the company, but his confidence and ability continues to grow. He is often given technically interesting jobs and rises to every challenge - laying the foundation for a top tradesman. Albert also has excellent customer service skills, allowing him to adapt quickly to diverse clients and environments. He impresses clients and colleagues with his work ethic and is willing to go the extra mile - he recently worked late into the evening to get the water back on for a customer. Albert is a valued member of his team and well-liked by his peers.

Scott Gillespie - Hosted by Advantage Plumbing & Drainage, Christchurch, Canterbury

Scott’s achievements speak for themselves. He has risen to any challenge given to him over the last 12 months proving to be a capable, mature and responsible young man. Scott has been involved with a project with Fletcher Living - the East frame development. He managed the pre-slab for 20 units and there were no issues. This resulted in one very happy and impressed foreman. He had to work within very tight time frames at the Lincoln New World job, working long hours, but things were always completed and expectations exceeded. Scott understands how to get it right the first time. He displays 100 percent commitment and dedication to the job at all times.

Each scholarship recipient receives a $1,000 credit at their local Plumbing World branch.

ENDS

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