News
The final countdown #7
Now in the final year of his apprenticeship, Sebastian Sekene reflects on the challenges he has faced getting onto block courses in recent years and appreciates the Masterlink support he has received to get him closer to completing his qualifications.
Inner strength from Outward Bound
When 18-year-old Masterlink drainlaying apprentice Jack Anderson got the news that he’d won a 2023 Masterlink Outward Bound Scholarship, he was excited but had no idea what to expect. His experience challenged his physical and mental resilience.
Doing a good job is what matters
Teigan Jopson says school leavers should consider an apprenticeship. She loves the variety of jobs at the University of Otago which can involve uni flats, halls of residence and labs.
Career gold
Award-winning adult apprentice Emma de Salis is enjoying every minute of being in the plumbing industry. NZ Plumber talks to Emma about her achievements and the added challenge of working and learning with ADHD.
Masterlink Apprentice Workshops
Masterlink Apprentice Training Manager Pete Shields' new initiative nicknamed 'Pete's Pop-Ups' are supervised workshops designed to help our plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying apprentices all over NZ catch up on their on-job and online assessments.
Apprenticeship Boost funding available until 2024!
The Government has extended the Apprenticeship Boost (due to end on 31 December 2023) until the end of 2024. Masterlink will continue to pass this funding to the companies hosting our apprentices.
Sure to rise: from baking to plumbing
Having swapped a career in baking for a plumbing apprenticeship, Kevin Watt is excited about having more opportunities for progression.
Mum's advice inspires future leader
Auckland-based apprentice Sebastian Sekene not only won a Plumbing World Scholarship but was named Overall Scholarship Winner at the national 2023 New Zealand Plumbing Awards.
Southland girls get a taste for the trades
The Girls In Trades Expo returned for a third year running to Murihiku Southland. Masterlink Lower South Island Regional Manager Raewyn Meharg and third-year Masterlink apprentice Georgia Simeon attended the action-packed day on a mission to inspire.
Taupo apprentice finds her fit
Emma de Salis is smashing her plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship and winning national scholarships. Her Masterlink Regional Manager has no doubt that Emma will be a significant contributor to the industry moving forward.
Wellington Gateway to scholarship success
As a student at St. Patrick’s College, Andrew Smith spent one day a week at Glennies Plumbing through the school’s Gateway programme, before Mike took him on as a plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying apprentice four years ago. Now he's an award winner!
Loving it! I picked the best trade
Nelson apprentice Jed Haymes has impressed his clients and boss with his enthusiasm, communication skills and diligent approach. Jed discusses his work ethic, goals for the future and why he says he picked the best trade!
Digging for career success
Chase Sheridan has completed his Masterlink drainlaying apprenticeship in Mosgiel. His host Gary Gardiner of All Septic and Drainage Ltd has been so impressed with Chase that he is making plans for him to take charge of the business!
Training fees for 2023
Some fee changes have been made recently. From 1 February 2023, most apprentices will be paying their own training fees. Find out who won't have to pay fees and what funding is available for those who do.
Back to school #6
In our latest catch-up with plumbing apprentice Sebastian Sekene, we learn that it’s all go on new classroom block projects.
In a big man's world #5
Fourth-year Masterlink apprentice Sebastian Sekene shares his experience of being part of the 2023 New Zealand Plumbing Conference and winning a Plumbing World Scholarship.
Family matters #4
Masterlink apprentice Sebastian Sekene talks about his latest plumbing project, his family, and moving into a new home.
Site management #3
When we last caught up with plumbing apprentice Sebastian Sekene, he was counting down the days to a month-long summer break after being flat tack at work.
Staying connected #2
In the second of our new series on the day-to-day of a plumbing apprentice, Sebastian Sekene talks about team bonding, workshop banter, and going on block course.
Day in the life #1
What’s it like being an apprentice? In this new series, third year apprentice Sebastian Sekene gives us a glimpse into his working day.
No regrets with trade
Basil Carpenter's decision to leave university before completing his degree was a big decision at the time. But as he nears the end of his five-year plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprenticeship, he has no regrets.
Determination pays off
Bayley Wilkie is setting a new benchmark for young female tradies to follow. The 24-year-old has proven that hard work, a desire to learn and showing initiative to get your foot in the door pays off
Pushing the limits
Seven Masterlink Apprentice Outward Bound Scholarship winners have successfully completed their 16-day leadership course at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds. They share their experiences.
A winning smile
The first-ever winner of the Masterlink Apprentice of the Year is Samoan-born Eti Sauvao — an adult apprentice with a positive outlook and an incredible work ethic. We discover why Eti is so well respected by clients and colleagues alike.