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UPDATES FROM THE MASTER PLUMBERS-OWNED MASTERLINK MENTORED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME—INCLUDING TWO NEW ONLINE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR APPRENTICES.

MEET OUR REGIONAL MANAGERS

Rupert Sanford-Scutt took up the role of Auckland & Northland Regional Manager in June. Originally from the UK (but don’t hold it against him), Rupert developed a love of New Zealand when his parents moved over here while he was at uni in London 17 years ago, eventually following them over. With a background in sales management and teaching, Rupert’s last role before joining Masterlink was Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Regional Manager for the UK’s leading luxury travel operator.

“I’ve seen pretty much all of the country thanks to my former life in travel and it’s still up top as the best place I’ve seen,” he says. “Although NZ is now home, I’m still a supporter of the underperforming Manchester United back in the UK. “

Day-to-day, Rupert spends much of his time out and about meeting with host businesses and apprentices. “Each day is different and variety is what makes the role so enjoyable,” he says. “On any day I might be interviewing a potential apprentice in the morning, heading to a site to deliver some PPE, then visiting a host business for an appraisal.”

In his spare time, Rupert loves being active and sport of any kind. “I think it comes from growing up as one of five boys and developing a love of competition as a result. I’ve just started training for the Auckland Marathon in late October but I also regularly play football, tennis and go climbing.”

Financial capability training now live!

Masterlink is the first non-university organisation in the world to partner with Blackbullion, an online learning platform packed with tools and resources to help our apprentices grow their financial skills. Apprentices can complete Blackbullion’s online modules at their own pace, with learning material that covers budgeting, personal savings, investing, debt and risk management. Registration for Blackbullion is free for all Masterlink apprentices.

ONLINE DRIVER SAFETY TRAINING

All Masterlink apprentices have been sent instructions on how to get free access to the online SharpDrive driver training course series. Courses are designed to promote road safety by calling attention to good driving habits and positive behaviours. Apprentices who complete the series will be able to gift the SharpDrive course to three family members or friends on Masterlink!

For the full range of apprentice Masterlink Training options, including live webinars and face-to-face courses, go to www.masterlink.co.nz/training

COMPETITIVE SUCCESSES!

Great to see so many current and former Masterlink apprentices taking part in Plumbing World’s 2021 Young Plumber of the Year branch events during June and July. Congratulations to Masterlink apprentice Akida Shimamoto of HiFlo Plumbing for coming first in Oamaru. Akida will now compete in the Southern Regional Final in September, as will Masterlink apprentice Bradley Thompson, a Wild Card recipient. Masterlink apprentices Hera Eruera, Quintin Trott and Jason Beijerling also went through to their regional finals in August as Wild Card recipients, just as NZ Plumber was going to print. Well done all!

Former Masterlink apprentice Lauren Phillips won the Invercargill Young Plumber of the Year branch event.

Masterlink milestones

WELCOME

Warm welcome to new Masterlink apprentices—and a big thanks to their host employers: ■ Clark Sceats – Norwest Gasfitting, Auckland ■ Zayne Coffey – BT Plumbing and Gas, Auckland ■ Taku Dzadya – Kerry Drainage, Auckland ■ Lucas Cormack – Next Level Plumbing, Auckland ■ Luca Ensor – Mainstream Plumbing & Gasfitting, Auckland ■ Hans Hylan – Kumeu Plumbing, Auckland ■ Jack Conder – Heron Plumbing, Auckland ■ Max McQuoid – Markabove Plumbing, Hamilton ■ Olliver Bonner – Kingfisher Plumbing, Tauranga ■ Thomas Gadsbey – The Drainage Dept, Mount Maunganui ■ Shane Luke – Rawlinson Plumbing & Gas, Rotorua ■ Ryan Gooding – Hawkes Bay Wastewater Management, Hastings ■ Lahalo Luka – Latitude Plumbing & Heating, Paraparaumu ■ Noah Raymond – EG Glennie & Co, Wellington ■ Cordell Prescott – Southern Gas, Winton.

QUALIFIED

Congratulations to newly qualified Masterlink apprentices Daniel Smith in Plumbing & Gasfitting, Jack Powell and Ashley Taylor in Plumbing and John Ryan in Gasfitting.

GET IN TOUCH

Need an apprentice in your business? Masterlink Regional Managers are here to help.

Rupert Sanford-Scutt Auckland & Northland 027 558 5441 Colin Kilpatrick Auckland 021 773 296

Russell Walsh Central North Island 027 600 9929

Bob McCoy Lower North Island 027 479 0075

Sam Timlin Upper South Island 021 433 615 Brendan Parker Lower South Island 021 644 560