PLUMBER 25
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IT TAKES A LOT OF THINKING TO WORK OUT, LIKE ALL THE PIPEWORK IN THE WALLS AND MAKING IT ALL WORK WITHIN THE REGULATIONS.
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ERIC GRUYTHUYSEN
PLUMBING, GASFITTING AND DRAINLAYING
A THREE-IN-ONE TRADE “It is like a puzzle, putting all the pieces together to finish a job and making it look like a piece of art,” says ERIC GRUYTHUYSEN. Eric (25) recently became a qualified plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer. In June, at the 2026 NZ Plumbing Awards hosted by Master Plumbers, he was awarded one of three Plumbing World Scholarships, presented annually to Masterlink apprentices who consistently deliver quality work and show real growth, both in their trade skills and as people, over the year. “I was surprised when I heard I had been nominated but I am very happy to see my determination and the work that I put in was actually recognised.” What made his achievement even more remarkable was he spent four months away from work, recovering from ankle surgery after a football injury. Despite the major setback, Eric increased his apprenticeship
completion from 66 to 97 percent within 12 months and passed both his plumbing and drainlaying registration examinations. “I didn’t want to fall behind. I think a lot of people, if they get that time off, are going to take a break and just relax if they can’t walk. I wanted to make sureI kept everything on track and did what I could to keep advancing my own career. If I couldn’t really help out in my job, then I could help get my apprenticeship papers done and get the company another qualified plumber. “Kumeu Plumbing gave me great support and just helped me out when I needed something.” What Eric loves most about his role is helping people with their plumbing issues that can cause so much stress. “There is the satisfaction of doing a good job, like when I am doing a hot water cylinder and it looks amazing,
even if no one is probably going to look in the cupboard and notice. “Plumbing and gas work are the most enjoyable parts because that is where you are going to see all the cool bits and pieces, like the showers and bathrooms, copper work and cylinders. “It takes a lot of thinking to work out, like all the pipework in the walls and making it all work within the regulations.” Masterlink is 100 percent owned by Master Plumbers. It is the largest New Zealand-owned, nationwide mentored apprenticeship programme specialising in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying. Eric is grateful for the help he received during his apprenticeship, especially from his regional manager Callum after his ankle surgery.
KEY FACTS
writer PETER WHITE photographer ZACH STARK “He could see I was really trying to put in the work. He made sure if I needed anything he was always there and able to help out while I was off. “In general, Masterlink have been very helpful. Now I am trying to pass on the learning that I have made to the younger guys at our work.” In Year 13 at Hauraki Plains College in Ngatea, Eric took Biology, PE, Outdoor Education, Maths, English and Business. He considered bioengineering before getting a trade became his focus. Eric says career opportunities for young people entering the trades are plentiful, with a shortage of apprentices in many trades. “It keeps you thinking, it keeps your mind active and keeps you out of trouble!”
ONLINE
■ ERIC GRUYTHUYSEN RECENTLY QUALIFIED AS A PLUMBER, GASFITTER AND DRAINLAYER AND WORKS AT KUMEU PLUMBING IN AUCKLAND. ■ HE COMPLETED HIS APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH MASTERLINK, A NATIONWIDE MENTORED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME OWNED BY MASTER PLUMBERS. ■ ERIC WAS ONE OF THREE PLUMBING WORLD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AT THE 2026 NZ PLUMBING AWARDS.
To apply for an apprenticeship or for more information on plumbing, gasfitting and/or drainlaying apprenticeships, visit www.masterlink.co.nz
LEAVING SCHOOL ISSUE #36 | LEAVINGSCHOOL.CO.NZ