News
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.
Plumbing World Scholarship - James Moore
27-year-old James is the senior Masterlink apprentice at Glennies Plumbing, and his boss Mike Gooch praises the fourth-year apprentice on the excellent career progress he has made.
Plumbing World Scholarship - Jedric Haymes
Registered Electrician Stuart Breading of Energise Electrical was shocked to discover that the young man he had been working with on sites for six months was only a first-year plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying apprentice.
Plumbing World Scholarship - Bayley Wilkie
When he first met Bayley, Russell Walsh was unsure that the petite and timid young woman in front of him had what it takes to succeed in the trades. Today, he is pleased and impressed to see the mature and capable adult she has become.
Variety of rewarding work
Andrew Smith is living the dream - earning while he's learning. He's in the fourth year of a five-year plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying apprenticeship.
Trainee to trainer
Having successfully completed his Masterlink apprenticeship, Valentino Eyer is now helping train a Masterlink apprentice himself, as Marcelle Petera has joined the team at Rogers & Rogers in Kaitaia.
Newsletter: The Link October 2025
In this October update, celebrate the Waikato Masterlink Award winners, find out how to join NAWIC with your membership covered, check out the latest summer Masterlink merch, and find ways to get involved in Movember.