Nelson apprentice Jedric (Jed) Haymes has won a Plumbing World Scholarship at the national 2022 New Zealand Plumbing Awards, held in Rotorua on Friday 17 June.
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.
He seemed so competent and confident to the point it looked like he had been doing it for years. Great knowledge of his trade, a willingness to work with others and an enthusiastic attitude are what sets him apart from a lot of other apprentices I have met.
- Stuart Breading, Energise Electrical
Other contractors on the G J Gardner site were quick to praise 27-year-old Jed’s work ethic, communication skills and maturity.
His boss Glyne McLean at host company Plumbing Services Nelson speaks highly of second-year apprentice Jed, who has been given his own van and greater responsibility in recognition of his initiative and diligence.
"Jed is always looking for opportunities to learn different types of plumbing work and be more involved in the business. He takes health and safety at work very seriously and has proactively asked to run all the health and safety meetings in the office on a weekly basis," says Glyne.
When the company faced a heavy workload at the end of 2021, Jed stepped up to work on Saturdays.
Putting my hand up to help out the team not only helped the company but being put in the deep end also enabled me to grow from the experience. We managed to handover every project on time, which was a great way to end the year!
- Jed Haymes
Masterlink Regional Manager Sam Timlin says Jed has been incredibly motivated from day one.
Sam and Jed came up with a plan for the first 12 months of his apprenticeship, setting a goal that, under supervision, he would complete an entire first fix on a new build home by himself. Jed achieved that goals in six months!.
Jed went through a tough time when he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. He was told that it would be difficult for him to continue with plumbing. Jed decided to undergo surgery even though the recovery time was extensive. He was steadfast in his goal to continue plumbing and overcome any obstacles. I was blown away by Jed’s determination, positive attitude and drive.
- Sam Timlin, Masterink Regional Manager - Upper South Island
Glyne says he has full confidence that Jed will always represent Plumbing Services Nelson in the best possible light.
“With Jed being such a great apprentice, he has given our company confidence to take on other apprentices in the future. We need more Jed’s in the industry, and I know he will do wonders in the future.”
Jed wins a certificate and $1000 to spend at his local Plumbing World branch.
About Plumbing World Scholarships
Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their studies and a passion for the industry.
About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards
The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry and are presented at a gala dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.
About Master Plumbers
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand.
Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme to become a member. Members are provided with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up to date with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements.
Master Plumbers advocates on behalf of members and the plumbing industry. The association organises the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference culminating in the prestigious New Zealand Plumbing Awards, which recognise excellence in the industry.