Meet Louis Devine

From apprentice to
Young Plumber of the Year

Louis Devine, EarnLearn plumbing apprentice

Apprentice Story

For 27-year-old EarnLearn apprentice Louis Devine, one of the most rewarding parts of being a plumber is knowing his work has genuinely helped someone.
Whether he is solving a maintenance issue or helping complete a new build, Louis says seeing the difference his work makes is a big part of what motivates him to turn up each day and give it his all.
“You might be going to solve a maintenance problem or help complete a project, but I’ve had clients that were just so stoked about the work, and how smoothly it went, so they could move into their new house. That’s a good feeling, it’s really satisfying,” he says.   
That pride in doing a job well has helped the lead plumber for Whanganui-based Thompson Plumbing and Gas earn national recognition as New Zealand’s 2025 Young Plumber of the Year.
The win was a proud moment for Louis and one that had been some time in the making. He was named the regional winner in 2024 but was unable to progress to the national event due the birth of his first child falling on the same day. His entry was instead carried over into the 2025 competition.

“It means quite a bit to win. It’s been something I’ve wanted for a while, and I think entering again this time has taught me to be a little bit more consistent and patient.”

“I have learned to be slower and more methodical in my approach. I think winning gives you a boost too; a bit of extra confidence when you go about your work.”
Now in the fifth year of his apprenticeship with EarnLearn, Louis is close to completing his New Zealand Certificate of Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD).
He says he has some fond memories of the training, particularly an instructor on block courses who would take the apprentices on mini-field trips to see what they were studying being done in the real world.
Balancing full-time work, training and family life has not always been easy, particularly when it comes to finding time for the written components of his qualification.
“I feel like I do it well, but you do find you work all day, and you’re learning all day. It’s quite hard to come home and keep working to do the paperwork.”
Louis says the support he has received from EarnLearn has helped him stay focused and continue progressing through his apprenticeship.
“EarnLearn has been great. My Account Manager, Ty, has helped me a lot, mostly with making sure I’m on track, pushing me to get my paperwork done and reminding me to sit my exams.”
Louis says he would recommend a PGD apprenticeship to anyone who enjoys practical work, solving problems and having plenty of options for where their career could lead.

“Once you qualify it really expands your options. You can go into water engineering, water quality, sewerage, drain systems, even roading. The opportunities are just massive.”
From helping Whanganui customers to earning recognition on the national stage, Louis’s apprenticeship has given him the skills, confidence and support to keep building his career.

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