What I wish I’d known

We asked three tradesmen what advice they’d give those just starting out on a plumbing career. Here’s what they had to say....

BEN RYAN Age: 32 Company: Heron Plumbing Qualification: 4th-year Masterlink plumbing & gasfitting apprentice

1. The important thing is to listen and take the task on board rather than wing it. If you’re unsure, ask—it never hurts to ask how to do something. You’re not expected to know everything. 2. I came to plumbing from a defence force career as a firefighter, where I did my training in three months. After that, I could handle any situation, from driving the truck to operating the pumps. Plumbing and gasfitting takes four years, so be patient. You’re not going to know everything when you’re out of your apprenticeship—or even when you’re certified. There’s always a lot to learn. 3. There are so many different areas you can get into if you decide to specialise: mechanical heating and cooling, hydraulic design, project management—lots of opportunities. I did a year of plumbing when I was 22, working on residential, new builds, renos and maintenance. When I came to my apprenticeship, I expected to pick it up easily, but I’m now doing mostly commercial. You won’t walk straight into it—you’ve got to work your way up the ladder.

KRIS RANGITAAWA Age: 37 Company: Plumbing & Gas Works Qualification: Certifying Plumber & Gasfitter

1. I was older when I started but if you’re young, follow the lead of the more mature guys. Don’t be afraid to get stuck in, get your hands dirty and always be busy. There should always be something for you to do—ask if there isn’t. There’s nothing worse than idle hands on site. It’s not just the plumbers who will notice—all the other trades will too. 2. Don’t take study help for granted. At Plumbing & Gas Works, we’re really lucky to have Managing Director Mike Foote and Contracts Manager Jacob Smith running weekly study sessions after hours, in their own time. Take as much help as you can. It can be hard grind to pass and pass first time. 3. There’s never a stupid question. Don’t be scared to speak up and ask. I’d rather answer what may seem a ‘silly’ question than no question at all.

TANE MCGUIRE Age: 27 Company: Eastland Plumbing and Gasfitting Qualification: Tradesman Plumber & Gasfitter, and has sat Certifying exams.

1. I wish I’d started earlier! It was only by chance I got to work at a plumbing firm after a year at uni, and I knew I wanted this. Don’t expect an employer to give you an apprenticeship straight away. You’ve got to work your way up the ranks. 2. You’ve got to be self-motivated to do your studies. It’s a big jump from school. The tutors give you the study guides but it’s up to you to use them. If you don’t do the work, it will be obvious. It’s on you, so keep yourself honest. 3. I’ve had to work on customer relations and communications. When you’re starting out as an apprentice, you are in the background and you can watch and learn from your colleagues. Your confidence grows slowly and you learn it’s important to let customers know what’s happening.

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