Pipeline to success for top WITT plumbing student

Taking the first step towards a new career at any stage of life can be daunting. Moch Lacida did just that when he enrolled in WITT’s plumbing programme.

After working as a theatre cleaning operator at Taranaki Base Hospital, he decided to pursue plumbing but had no connections in the industry.

By enrolling in WITT’s pre-trade programme, Moch not only gained hands-on skills but also connected with local employers. Thanks to his tutor, Brendon Metcalfe, who actively fosters relationships with the local trades sector, Moch landed an apprenticeship with Naki Plumbing and Gas. Now, he’s working on major projects like Pukekura – The Parade development, where he’s installing plumbing, drainage and storm water pipes at the site where 36 townhouses are under construction in central New Plymouth.

The idea of a trade sprung to mind when he was considering his long-term future. He’d met other Filipinos working for local companies, but they said it was difficult to get practising licences having trained overseas. His wife, with whom he has two young children, encouraged him to enrol in WITT’s New Zealand Certificate of Plumbing, Drainlaying and Gasfitting (Level 3) pre-trades programme.

Moch – who moved to New Zealand from The Philippines eight years ago - came top of his class last year.

He credits Brendon’s involvement in the local industry for his success. “Brendon didn’t just teach us—he helped me secure a job. His connections made all the difference.”

Brendon says plumbing is a career that offers stability and is rewarding, and full of variety. “Whether you're installing systems in new homes, working on large commercial projects or doing maintenance work like changing tap washers, the demand for skilled plumbers is high.”

The pre-trade training gave Moch the basic knowledge and confidence to proceed with the next stage of his career. “I didn’t want to start a new job not knowing anything. It’s been really helpful as an apprentice, just knowing about all the tools. I feel prepared thanks to doing the pre-trade course at WITT.”

Work satisfaction guaranteed

Plumbing appealed because he likes the process and the results of, for example, connecting pipes to provide hot water to a shower. “I get satisfaction from knowing my work makes a difference.”

“It’s a good trade. I’m more of a handy person than an office person, so I wanted to try out a trade. What I’m doing is for my future, my family’s future. I know I’ll get there.”

Having his own business might be a possibility in the future. For now, he enjoys the company he’s working for.

“After a month it feels like a family. I can ask them anything – they have lots of knowledge to impart to the new ones like me. I’m learning a lot every day.”

Naki Plumbing and Gas owner Greg Ritchie says Moch has all the right attributes to be a successful plumber. “It’s about being enthusiastic, punctual and hard-working. You don’t have to be super-academic, but you need to be good at listening and willing to learn.”

WITT’s Plumbing, Gasfitting, and Drainlaying programme offers:

• Hands-on experience in a practical, workshop environment.
• Expert tutors like Brendon Metcalfe, who actively work with local employers to connect students to real-world job opportunities.
• Connections with local employers to help you secure an apprenticeship.
• Practical skills to make you job-ready in an in-demand field.
• Theory work that gives a basic grounding for the trade
• Completing Unit Standards which takes time off your apprenticeship.

Caption: (top) Moch Lacida pictured outside the Pukekura - The Parade construction site in central New Plymouth.

More information and how to enrol in pre-trades training for plumbing, carpentry, automotive, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, click here: https://www.witt.ac.nz/study/trades/