Awards – Career-switching Auckland apprentice’s positive impact earns a Plumbing World Scholarship

Auckland-based apprentice Jack Smith won a Plumbing World Scholarship at the national 2024 New Zealand Plumbing Awards, held at Takina Wellington Convention Centre on Friday 12 April.

Now in the second year of his five-year Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying apprenticeship through Masterlink, Jack has made a significant impact at the Auckland Plumbers Group (APG); the business hosting him for his on-job training.

Prior to starting his apprenticeship, 34-year-old Jack worked in a variety of teaching and training roles in New Zealand and overseas. His collaborative nature and support for fellow apprentices has strengthened the continuous learning culture within APG.

Jack has driven operational improvements at the company by designing and implementing a system for tool sharing which has streamlined processes and improved efficiency, and he plays a key role in the APG Sustainability Project.

“I’m proud to have co-led an initiative to reduce landfill waste and improve sustainability practices at my host business, APG. We now separate and recycle all polystyrene and soft plastics – a substantial source of waste due to the quantity of packaging required by industry materials – as well as concrete, paint, paper, and organic waste. This builds upon our work to recycle and sustainably dispose of paper, cardboard and scrap metals and has already cut our collection of landfill waste in half, from two skip-loads per week to one or less.

“The leadership team at APG has shown a real commitment to leading the industry in this area and blazing a trail to reduce the environmental harm caused by material waste, and I’m proud to have helped drive the changes in culture and practice needed to make this happen.”

Jack’s combination of practical skills, leadership qualities and common sense were recognised when he won Auckland Masterlink Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 Auckland/Northland Master Plumbers Awards.

He has also been selected to join the inaugural national Apprentice Representative Group formed by Master Plumbers to help reshape the experience of plumbing apprentices in New Zealand.

Jack says that his plumbing apprenticeship experience is very different to his previous work experience in the corporate world, but he has risen to a variety of challenges and is committed to his studies.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have fantastic support from my Masterlink Regional Manager Steve Meadows and host Andrew Durrans, and the leadership and scheduling teams at APG, and my mentors and peers in the business.

“Being able to accept that support with gratitude as I continue my apprenticeship has been a real growth area for me personally.”

Andrew Durrans, owner of the Auckland Plumbers Group says, “Jack lives and breathes the four core values of APG, these being honesty, reliability, professionalism, and innovation. He is an excellent communicator and demonstrates a strong work ethic.

“He is a role model within APG and the wider plumbing community.”

Jack has been awarded a certificate and $1000 to spend at his local Plumbing World branch.

Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their studies and a passion for the industry.

The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry. They 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 industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.

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 wider 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.

Established by Master Plumbers in 2002, Masterlink specialises in mentored apprenticeships in plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting across New Zealand. The Masterlink Team includes Regional Managers who support the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.