05 August 2015
National Got a Trade Week (21 to 28 August 2015) is approaching, and Cowley Services refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice William Lovell, who turned in a near perfect score of 98% in his recent Electrical Appliance Serviceperson’s exams, is exactly the type of go-ahead young tradesperson the event is celebrating.
“Training an apprentice is about much more than just getting him or her through, so we love seeing results like these,” says Steve Brooks, Regional Manager at Industry Training Organisation Competenz.
“All credit to William and the team at Cowleys. William’s going to be a top tradesman in his field, and a great example for others to follow.”
William is one of four apprentices at Cowley Services in New Plymouth. The company has over 100 qualified technicians in 10 branches across the country.
We asked William’s manager Peter Whitting to share his tips for training a top apprentice. Most of the credit, he says, goes to ‘William and his parents’.
“William’s got a great attitude – can-do and will-do. He’s not afraid to ask questions. He listens and he retains knowledge. That makes training easy.”
Peter also offered up several things a company can do to make the difference between ticking the box on an apprenticeship and turning out a top tradesperson. “Encouraging apprentices is important,” he says. “Be aware of what they need to build their skills and then give them a challenge to match.”
About Got a Trade Week (21 to 28 August 2015)
Got a Trade Week 2015 is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of careers in New Zealand’s trades and services among school leavers, jobseekers (aged 16 to 24), their parents and teachers. The campaign celebrates the talents and achievements of young Kiwis like William who are making headway in their chosen trade, and involves more than 50 events across the country.
Competenz congratulates William McClune from Fenn Refrigeration in Christchurch. William joins 70 other top apprentices at the Future Business Leaders Forum, an event designed to build leadership skills. William won this year’s Wallie Askew award.
More information: www.gotatrade.co.nz
