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Investing in the next
generation of tradies
Geoff Roberts from Laser Plumbing & Electrical
PGD Employer
Geoff Roberts

Geoff Roberts shares why investing in apprentices is good for business, the industry and the next generation of tradies.

Trade Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying
Company Laser Plumbing & Electrical
Location Hawke's Bay
Employer Story

Meet Geoff Roberts

After more than 30 years in the trade, experienced plumber Geoff Roberts stepped away from the tools and into a management role. It’s been a big shift but watching his apprentices find their feet and thrive in the trades has made it more than worth it.

Now leading the plumbing team at Laser Plumbing and Electrical, Geoff is focussed on investing in the next generation of skilled tradies, alongside his wife Brenda and business partner Paul Manaena.

The Hawke’s Bay business employs a range of staff, including one electrical apprentice and three plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying (PGD) apprentices. All three, Geoff says, are already shaping up to be real assets to the business.

“We start the apprentices out very simple, then build them up and challenge them, pushing them out of their comfort zone and getting them to think for themselves. Hopefully by the end of it we have a skilled and qualified tradesperson who’s giving back to the business,” Geoff says.

Having completed his own apprenticeship at the start of his career, Geoff knows first-hand the difference strong training makes and understands the value apprentices bring, not just in the long term but the day-to-day. While it’s not always possible, Geoff would like to take on new apprentices each year for the benefit it brings to their business, the wider industry, and the individual.

 

“I’m a real stickler for making sure our apprentices are properly supervised and trained by experienced tradies. We work hard to get them upskilled and gain hands-on experience, so they’re able to be out on jobs and have a successful training experience”.

 

A key part of his apprentice’s success is the support they receive from EarnLearn, particularly through regular contact with local Account Manager, Julia Carmichael.

 

“Julia really cares about the apprentices. She works really hard for them and she’s only ever a phone call away.”

 

Geoff and his apprentices meet with Julia every couple of weeks to keep them on track with their training and help sort out any problems. That support can include extra help for literacy or learning challenges like dyslexia, and additional tutoring where needed.

“We work hard to build a good culture here so they can lean on senior tradies, but also to ensure they’re comfortable to speak up when they need help. It’s reassuring to know that support is there from EarnLearn.”

For employers considering taking on an apprentice, Geoff’s message is simple: invest the time early, build the right support around them and the long-term rewards will follow.

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