News
Newsletter: The Link March 2025
In this edition, you'll find all the details on how to apply for Outward Bound, upcoming apprentice training workshop dates, and a friendly reminder to relicence and complete your host survey!
Newsletter: The Link February 2025
This is the first edition of The Link for 2025! Check out how to be in to win a $100 Prezzy Card by relicensing, enter the NZ Plumbing Awards, and learn how Masterlink will support you with the introduction of on-the-job training assessments.
Master Plumbers applauds commitment to allow plumbers and drainlayers to self-certify
Master Plumbers applauds commitment to allow plumbers and drainlayers to self-certify
Newsletter: The Link October 2024
Read about how Te Pūkenga apprentices can now earn specific unit standards while on the job! Plus, we celebrate our outstanding Masterlink award winners from the top of Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island).
Newsletter: The Link September 2024
Read about the winners of the Mac McKenzie Trust Awards. Discover the highlights from the latest Apprentice Representative Group meeting and find out more about the new Masterlink smoke- and vape-free policy.
Newsletter: The Link August 2024
Read about our new offer we've created for apprentices with NZ Safety Blackwoods. We’re also celebrating a long list of completed apprentices, new apprentices, and both new and returning host companies.
Masterlink apprentice receives top award for women in construction
Maria Contreras Huerta took home the Apprentice Excellence Award at the 2024 National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) Excellence Awards on Friday. Congratulations Maria!
Newsletter: The Link July 2024
We encourage all apprentices and employers to attend the upcoming roadshow on the new apprentice training model, which is set to launch in January 2025. This is the biggest review of PGD apprentice qualifications in 30 years.
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.