Here's how it works
Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying - Career Description
Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying is a hands-on trade which requires the ability to problem solve and manage technical issues. This could be on both commercial construction sites or in residential homes.
It takes around five years to train towards a New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Drainlaying and Gasfitting.
Apprentices earn while you learn, training on the job at a plumbing firm, and on block courses at a training provider.
New technologies and processes mean plumbing is no longer all about getting your hands dirty. It is highly skilled, varied, profitable, rewarding… and future proof.
It is also in huge demand right now.
Get started on your new career with Masterlink.
Here’s how a typical Masterlink plumbing apprenticeship works.
“Plumbing’s an underrated trade… now I’m doing it, I’ve fallen in love with it. It is hard work but fun—everyone should do it! It’s really cool trying different things. There’s never a dull moment, I’m constantly learning… and I have an income.”
Esmey Parata, Foleys Dunedin
“There’s a lot of opportunity for bright young people who don’t mind hard work. I have a fantastic boss and a great bunch of guys to work with. Every day is different because there’s such a broad spectrum of work and interesting challenges.”
Kris Rangitaawa, Plumbing & Gas Works
Five great reasons to choose Masterlink
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1. We interview, screen and test
We process your application to make sure you've got the right stuff to succeed in our industry
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2. Place with a host for on-job training
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3. Pay from day one, manage PAYE and HR
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4. Provide starter Tool & PPE kit worth over $2,500 plus an allowance for boots
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5. Provide health and safety resources, including an apprentice app
It all adds up to exceptional value.
Pay less when you train through Masterlink!
From 1 July 2020: Access free trades training through the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) for the next 2.5 years. Find FAQs HERE
The total Masterlink fees are:
With free fees (TTAF 2020):
- Plumbing/Drainlaying & Gasfitting (PDG) - $6,000*
- Plumbing/Drainlaying (PD) - $5,000*
- Drainlaying - $750 (payable in full at sign-up and refunded if you qualify within 2 years)
Without free fees (TTAF 2020) when normal training fees apply:
- Plumbing/Drainlaying & Gasfitting (PDG) - $10,000*
- Plumbing/Drainlaying (PD) - $8,000*
- Drainlaying - $4,000* ($2,000 payable in full at sign-up and refunded if you qualify within 2 years)
* This comprises a sign-up fee of $2,000 with the remainder paid through weekly wage deductions (currently from 1 Jan 2023) for the duration of your apprenticeship. You may apply for our special interest-free loan package to help with your sign-up fee.
We pay you while you learn (even on block courses or other related training courses)
We pay your block course and ITO training fees where applicable (that's $14k for a plumbing/drainlaying/gasfitting apprenticeship with no free fees)
We provide travel, accommodation and meal allowances if you have attend block courses far from your host business
You get a starter tool & PPE kit worth $2,000 plus an annual allowance for boots
You can apply for a special interest-free loan package when you sign up
Apprentice Profile - Ryan McQuade
Apprentice Profile - Phillip Penno
Apprentice Profile - Mitchell Pran
Apprentice Profile - Sean Kennedy
Apprentice Profile - James Moore