EarnLearn logo white stacked version
Hard work earns
top apprentice title
Jadé Redman, Laser Apprentice of the Year 2026

Laser Apprentice of the Year for 2026
Jadé Redman, apprentice plumber with Laser Plumbing and Electrical

A look into Jadé Redman’s apprenticeship journey, balancing life as a new dad while being named 2026 Laser Apprentice of the Year.

Trade Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying
Employer Laser Plumbing and Electrical
Location Napier
Apprentice Story

Meet Jadé Redman

Twenty-five-year-old Jadé Redman is balancing the demands of being a new dad with the demands of being an apprentice plumber with Laser Plumbing and Electrical in Napier.

But while juggling two important roles has been a challenge, it hasn’t held back Jadé, who was named Laser Apprentice of the Year for 2026. The award is an annual one given to the top performing apprentice from within the Laser Plumbing and Electrical group of more than 100 New Zealand businesses.

Jadé, who was nominated by his employers, Brenda and Geoff Roberts at Laser in Napier, was completely surprised to win the award. “I was just stoked to be nominated and even more so to come away with the award. I’d like to say thanks to the team for the support,” he says.

With just his plumbing exam to sit, and part of his gas qualification requirements to complete, Jadé is nearing the end of his New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (Level 4) with EarnLearn.

“The support from EarnLearn has been great. It’s been good to just be able to ring and ask for support, if you need something, or have a question. They’ve always been great.”

That support was particularly helpful early on in Jadé’s apprenticeship as he adjusted to life as a trainee. “The biggest challenge of training for me has been accepting that it’s OK to not know everything. I used to worry too much, but now I know it’s all part of the learning, and it eventually clicks and sticks. It becomes second nature.”

Plumbing always appealed to Jadé as a career knowing that he wanted a practical hands-on job. “I knew I wanted to be out and about. I tried building, but that wasn’t for me. I think there’s more variety with plumbing and that’s what drew me.

“The highlights are when you work on big projects and see them through from start to finish. Plumbing his high demand but rewarding. And who doesn’t want to earn while they learn a new trade?”

“Every day is different. It’s such a big industry and you can branch off into other aspects of the trade. You go home feeling proud of what you achieved in a day,” he says.

“The highlights are when you work on big projects and see them through from start to finish. Plumbing his high demand but rewarding. And who doesn’t want to earn while they learn a new trade?”

Click here to learn about our plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying programme →