| 69 T T Bernadette Cooney Committed to training Whitehead Plumbing & Gas co-owner and managing director, Paul Olsen, was recognised for his exceptional efforts in educating and supporting new industry entrants. Whitehead Plumbing & Gas CONTRACTING Christchurch’s Whitehead Plumbing & Gas Ltd, based in Waltham, has been honoured for its commitment to training apprentices, a critical need for the industry in Canterbury and nationwide. The company, providing plumbing, gas fitting, and drain-laying services for over 45 years, won the Master Plumbers Award for Training Leader of the Year 2024. This award was presented to Paul Olsen, co-owner and managing director, for his exceptional efforts in educating and supporting new industry entrants. This award recognises an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to educate and support people entering the industry. The company has initiated greater in-house training opportunities at their Grafton Street premises, emphasising first-hand experience for aspiring plumbers and gasfitters. “For the past five years, Whitehead Plumbing & Gas has supported Gateway students across several Christchurch schools,” says Paul. The company offers recruits a unique threemonth contract to immerse themselves in modern plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying, allowing them to decide on pursuing a full apprenticeship. Partnering with the Gateway Programme, Master Link, and Skills NZ, Whitehead Plumbing & Gas helps school leavers and potential apprentices get familiar with trade materials, ask questions, and gain insights from experienced professionals. Paul himself completed his apprenticeship with the company’s founder, Mark Whitehead, 17 years ago and became a part-owner three years ago. Testament to the fact that the career choice is a progressive and rewarding one. Currently, Whitehead Plumbing & Gas has five apprentices on their 22-member team, including their first female apprentice who joined a year and a half ago. “We encourage workforce diversity and plan to take on another apprentice by year’s end.” The company is also establishing an on-site training unit for hands-on practice in water and gas servicing and fault finding. “In 2023, we focused on young team members’ development,” says Paul. They organised comprehensive tours of Christchurch plumbing companies for their apprentices and committed to building a dedicated on-site training room with live water systems and backflow preventions for demonstrations and practice. By the end of this year, they will add certified gas cylinder systems to the training unit, providing a live gas hobb or heater for demonstration and fault-finding exercises. “The initiative will support the professional development of the entire team by providing a dedicated space for upskilling and focusing our culture on continuous learning.” The company conducts six-monthly performance reviews to identify improvements for the company and employees. Additionally, Paul serves on the board of the newly formed NZ Master Plumbers Apprentice Reputation Group (ARG), which ensures apprentices have representation and support whilst they study. 021 399 179 jarrod@simplexitybuilders.co.nz www.simplexitybuilders.co.nz Simplexity Builders pride themselves on custom-built, bespoke, architectural projects and bringing their clients’ vision and dreams into reality. WHITEHEAD PLUMBING & GAS LTD.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=