Apprentices are the future of any industry, of almost any business. Without them, the medium to long term future of many trades must be doubtful. Ensuring a steady annual intake of intelligent and capable young people are attracted into trades such as Plumbing and then training them properly is essential.

Masterlink was set up by MPGD in 2004 to do just that. To recruit the right people into apprenticeships, give them first class training, provide them with support and mentoring one-on-one, and at the end of four years, turn out well-rounded, highly skilled, qualified people who employers will want to take on as their staff.

Since then, Masterlink is justly proud of having achieved those objectives. Almost without fail, the apprentices selected to join the programme achieve their goals each year, do well in their exams, and provide excellent value to their hosts.

They are the elite of the apprentices in the Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying trades, who are placed with the elite hosts, who have met the strict criteria to become a host.

Every year, the number of hosts and apprentices joining the Masterlink programme is increasing, as its benefits to the industry and their businesses are recognised.