From Uncertain to Unstoppable:
Jaiden’s Journey into Plumbing, Drain Laying & Gas Fitting
Jaiden wasn’t always sure what career path to take, but once he stepped into the world of plumbing, he quickly discovered it’s about much more than just fixing leaks and unblocking toilets!
From hands-on problem-solving to learning the ins and outs of drain laying and gas fitting, he’s found a trade that challenges and excites him every day and earns him some decent cash too.
Now, with big goals and a future that could even include running his own business, Jaiden is proving that a plumbing apprenticeship is just the beginning.
Want to know what a career in plumbing is really like? Read on for Jaiden’s journey, insights, and top tips!
Jaiden Brickland
Junior Tradesman Plumber
Jaiden’s Career Advice
“Don’t be afraid to fail, I used to avoid jobs I wasn’t confident in as I was afraid to mess up. This is how you learn, evaluate what went wrong, why it happened and how to avoid this happening again?”
A chat with Jaiden about his role
What does a plumber do?
As a plumber I do all kinds of work, from maintenance to full new builds, both residential and commercial. I also operate machinery—anything from a shovel to 20-tonne diggers, loaders, and tipper trucks. The work is highly varied; we handle plumbing, drain laying, and gas fitting, so there are endless pathways available.
Why did you decide to become a plumber?
I hadn’t thought much about what I wanted to do after school. Originally, I wanted to work with cars but found that working on cars and then that being my hobby too took away the fun. After doing work experience in plumbing, I started understanding the way things work and got that insight into the trade. The variety of work that comes with this job keeps your day interesting, you are never doing the same thing for too long.
How did you get into a plumbing apprenticeship?
My dad is a plumber, so he got me doing some work experience with him then found me work at the same place he did his apprenticeship. I started out as a labourer for a month before starting my “plumbing, drainlaying and gas fitting” apprenticeship. Halfway through my apprenticeship I got a job at Aquaholics as my mate worked here and suggested I apply for the role.
What do you love about your job?
The social aspect of my job is really good, and working at a great company starts to feel like a family. We spend time with each other outside of work, like weddings, fishing trips, events, we have even been on holidays as a team. There are about 10 guys in our team, so not much room to not like each other, and we do all get along really well.
What has been challenging during your career?
A few of the challenges I have faced are around work-life balance. From dealing with stress and anxiety, communicating with people around you, and meeting new people. One way I have overcome these challenges is talking to people who have been doing the job for a while. They have been through the same things and will be able to give guidance.
What are some key memories you have from your time in the workforce?
Our work dynamic is really cool, we have had some awesome work trips with the boys, overnight fishing trips, go karting, and hunting. These are real stand outs from my time here, and this relationship with the team makes it more enjoyable to come to work each day.
What is a notable project you have worked on?
I like working on larger scale projects, for example we have worked on houses I could only dream of owning and this is great motivation to keep working hard, focus on where I want to go. We have worked on large projects like the Sommerset hospital, or the largest cool store in the southern hemisphere, and these are really cool projects to see come together.
Jaiden Brickland
Former Fraser High School student
Becoming a plumber…
What experience is needed to be a plumber?
During school I did work experience, as well as two Wintec courses, introduction to trades and automotive level 1. Besides these I did an apprenticeship to become a qualified plumber.
What technical skills do you learn on the job?
I never realised how much machine operation comes into being a plumber, but I have quickly picked up these skills. My maths skills have also improved over my time as a plumber. Working on a building site you also get an insight into other trades, so I have picked up some knowledge in these areas and have been able to renovate my own home.
What school subjects are useful to take?
Any of the hands-on subjects, automotive, wood tech, metal tech, PE for the physical side of the job. Basic maths is always a good foundation but this is knowledge you continue to learn on the job.
What sort of person is suitable to be a plumber?
You need to be willing and keen to learn, hardworking and also willing to do the jobs nobody else wants in the beginning. Plumbing is a really broad trade, there is almost always a path for people, even if being on the tools isn’t for you.
What career progression could you take as a plumber?
My goal is to start my own business at some point. However if you get sick of the tools plumbing opens doors to so many other pathways you can take. You can move into becoming a rep, merchant, delivery driver, business owner, or even look at creating a new product to improve the process.
“Once you get through the first year you start to feel like you have a better grasp of the job. You start to get trusted with work, and gain more independence. It is a good feeling when you feel yourself using your training to complete a job, you take a pic of it and feel quite accomplished.”
Jaiden’s Tips For Plumbing Success
How do you approach work life balance?
It is key to learn how to leave the day behind at 5pm and take time to have a life outside of work. Having hobbies like working on my car for example, finding things to do on the weekend, and spending some of your hard-earned money. Try not to stress about it after work is the biggest thing. I live by the motto “we will cross that bridge when we get there”. It is not worth stressing about the future when you can’t control it. Talking to your workmates, asking for advice, speaking to parents, reach out to your boss, all of these support methods can be so helpful.
What interpersonal skills have you learnt?
A lot of communication skills, from sales pitching, public speaking, and talking to coworkers. Another big one is time management, showing up to work on time, getting in to routine, waking up early but this all comes with time and you adjust as you go.
What is your advice for someone considering a plumbing apprenticeship?
Aim to start your apprenticeship as soon as possible. Talk to people who work in the field, at a range of ages for a different perspective, someone who has been doing it for years will have different advice than someone who is newly qualified.
Networking is a big side of it, utilise connections, find work experience, get your foot in the door, show employers that you are worth hiring.
What do you wish you knew when starting out an apprenticeship?
Starting out I was always trying to be the funny guy and was quite cheeky about things, so I would tell myself to be more serious when needed. I also wish I had spoken with more people in the industry to hear their experience and advice.
What is your advice for a new apprentice?
If you want to do well be as keen as possible, learn as much as you can, soak everything in, try not to say no to new opportunities. The workforce is highly competitive nowadays so you need to become an undeniable member of your crew. Showing up on time, staying till the work is finished, and working hard is going to prove you are an asset to the team.
About Plumbing World
Plumbing World is a nationwide plumbing merchant who spearheaded the young plumbers club to future proof NZ’s plumbing industry. Young Plumbers focuses on upskilling, engaging, and supporting the next generation of plumbers, gas fitters and drain layers.
Find out more about Plumbing World: https://www.plumbingworld.co.nz/about-us/
Young Plumbers Club Vision – THRIVING TRADIES, BOOMING INDUSTRY
Young Plumbers is focused on engaging, upskilling, and supporting the next generation of New Zealand plumbers, gas fitters and drainlayers. Building a career and business can be daunting, so Young Plumbers is here to help the next generation of tradespeople find their place in the industry faster.
Creating success, rewarding industry excellence, and ensuring our young plumbers remain passionate about the plumbing industry. By working together collectively right from the start we can build our industries long-term future.
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