Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying - Hayden George
Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying - Hayden George
For plumbing apprentice Hayden George, the move south to study the Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying proved to be a wise decision.
He made the decision to relocate from Dunedin after tossing up between several courses. “After having a look around, I wanted here or Christchurch, but Christchurch shut down and here it was Zero Fees.”
Hayden was surprised with the way the course was run, finding it exceeded his expectations. “I thought it would be like school, but we had three days a week in class and work experience the other two days. It was nothing like what I thought it’d be.”
The practical side of the course was offset with theoretical studies, providing a good balance. “The course was about 60% practical and 40% class. I found it a lot more hands-on learning than school.” Highlights for Hayden included the range of practical work undertaken. “I liked doing all the welding, joining, putting pipes up and erecting water cylinders.”
After completing the course Hayden returned to Dunedin. He undertook more work experience with the Chamber of Commerce, using his experience to gain an interview with a local plumbing firm. “I went there for 2 weeks. A year later they offered me an apprenticeship.”
Hayden was appreciative of the experience the pre-trade course gave him. “It gave me an advantage – with doing pre-trade I had way more knowledge than a person walking in off the street. I found I learnt a lot more by doing pre-trade before going into an apprenticeship.”