Southland Plumber on a winning trajectory

Plumber Adam is taking care of business

In 2014, Adam entered the WorldSkillsNZ Regional competition in Southland. He went on to take the Gold Medal in the Nationals in Hamilton that year. From there, Adam won the gold medal in the Oceania competition and rose to world class success winning a ‘Medallion of Excellence’ and ‘Best in Nation’ awards in the WorldSkills International final competition in São Paulo Brazil.

He says anyone in vocational training should give it a go. “There are great experiences up for grabs that people just don’t realise. You have nothing to lose.”

Competing was a great way to pursue his career goals and he made lifelong friends with common interests and experiences through the process. On top of that, the Southlander says his trip to Sao Paulo Brazil was a once-in-a-lifetime event. “I wouldn’t change a thing. It was incredible going to Sao Paulo and representing New Zealand.”

Adam says, given the opportunity in the future he wouldn’t hesitate supporting an apprentice or staff member to compete in the WorldSkillsNZ competitions.

“It is good advertising for a business. When I won, my name and my employer’s name ‘Jackson Plumbing’ was plastered everywhere. It is the best advertising you can ever get. It shows that your workers and workplace are of high calibre.”