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Plumbing World sponsored four plumbing and gasfitting apprentices to attend the Classic Outward Bound Course held in Anikawa in June. The aim was to invest in the apprentices by giving them the skills and inner tools needed to be a leader of the future. Industry needs to be developing today's apprentices ensure the future of the industry.
Following a rigorous selection process, and from a high calibre of candidates, these apprentices succeeded:
Morgan Farrant, AG Foley Ltd, Dunedin
Cole Armstrong, Armstrong Plumbing, BOP Ltd, Tauranga
Jared Crawford, J&T Plumbing, Tauranga
Nelson Longstaff, Premier Plumbing Ltd, Auckland
The guys met up with other building and construction apprentices. They were then split into groups. Over the next three weeks, they battled themselves, the elements and the environment. Together they needed to work as a team. Challenges were mental and physical, with a range of tasks set during the course.
"We've sailed, rowed and walked across high ropes as well as rock climbing and an overnight tramp up Mt Cullen in the South Island. We've done some community work and are only halfway through the course. It was amazing," says Nelson. "I've learnt a lot about leadership and teamwork.
Morgan from Foleys Plumbing agreed: "It was a totally awesome experience. I achieved things I did not expect to and learnt more about myself and working with others."
Instructors on the course summed up their comments on the four apprentices as follows:
He has a greater understanding of himself, his potential and his limitations. In the last few days, he made the greatest growth, learning challenging concepts about himself and showing himself to be a strong and honest man. He was a powerful role model for many people in his team. It was great to see him set a leadership goal and pursue that, evaluating his performance and trying new approaches. His work ethic, enquiring mind and determination to learn ensure him of a bright future.
The Outward Bound experience doesn't stop at the end of the course. Employers continue to notice differences.
"He is showing more leadership and his confidence has grown" and "he is now listening and learning from others."
The final comment belongs to the apprentices,
"Our thanks to Plumbing World for a totally awesome experience."
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