HVAC and RAC apprentices embrace a trade fit for the future

Ten years, three kids, two apprenticeships – there’s no sign of slowing down for Māngere’s Sioeli Puleiku.

At just 33 years old Sioeli has already achieved an outstanding feat: completing not one, but two trades programmes through work-based training organisation Competenz. Now a qualified HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) technician at Economech Maintenance Ltd, Sioeli is set to power up his career and fast-track his future.

“To complete one apprenticeship is a great achievement, but to achieve another is massive. It’s not something you see every day and it really sets Sioeli apart,” says Competenz training advisor William Malloy.

Dual trade qualifications in HVAC and RAC (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) have firmly cemented his place in the sector and now Sioeli is doing a job he loves in an industry he’s passionate about.

“I used to be a labourer on construction sites but a family friend inspired me to reach higher,” says Sioeli. “I found out about RAC from a mate who was doing his pre-trade and decided to give it a go.”

Working part-time at Economech Services Ltd throughout his pre-trade studies gave Sioeli a foot in the door, and when Economech Maintenance Ltd offered him an HVAC apprenticeship he jumped at the opportunity.

“Pre-trade training gave me a boost and I finished my apprenticeship in three years, then about 18 months later Economech Maintenance Ltd opened and they asked me to switch over. That’s when I started my RAC apprenticeship.”

He hasn’t looked back.

“When I tell people I work in air conditioning they think it’s just heat pumps, but it’s so much more than that. This trade is like plumbing, pipefitting and electrical all rolled into one, and because technology is changing so fast, you’re always thinking and learning. It’s a trade that’s often hiding at the back, but you can pivot into so many different areas.

“Currently they have me specialising in chillers. These chillers provide cooling to data centres so I go into big data centre sites, maintaining all their equipment and making sure it runs well. No more hard hats for me! Now I work in office buildings not construction sites.”

It’s been a busy and challenging decade, but Sioeli has come a long way.

“The hardest part was the bookwork - and juggling my time because I’ve also had three kids since starting at Economech! Fortunately, William gave me heaps of support, calling me up regularly, giving me progress reminders, and encouraging me to keep going, and Economech has been amazing. Working for a good company that supports you to pass makes a big difference. Their standards are really high so it has been hard – but that’s a good thing because now I feel confident I could do this job anywhere.”

Economech Maintenance Ltd goes above and beyond to support its apprentices, setting the gold standard in workforce development. Service Manager – Auckland, Raymond Koole ensures learners stay on track, receive the right training, and gain valuable experience through off-site learning. Progress is tracked at weekly toolbox meetings, and if necessary, jobs are scheduled around the apprentice’s training and assessment requirements. Mentoring from senior technicians adds another layer of support.

“We give the guys exposure to major jobs, send them on relevant courses, and make sure they have all the resources to succeed,” explains Raymond.

It’s a commitment that pays off – by prioritising training, mentorship and hands-on experience Economech Maintenance Ltd is creating a pipeline of skilled and confident tradespeople and future-proofing their business.

“Apprenticeships should not be seen by employers as an expense, they should be seen as improving the industry and adding value. Currently we have three apprentices in their third year and we’re looking at taking on another pre-trade so we have a pipeline coming through. We see it as a win-win. You give a young person the opportunity to learn a trade, be part of the industry and earn a good living, plus it’s good for the business. It gives you another resource to make use of, which is invaluable during busy times, and when you’ve had someone who has been with the company for three or four years they know all your systems and processes, which makes life a lot easier.”

It's great for the industry too.

“This sector is growing rapidly and I don’t think it’s going to slow down because as technology improves there’ll be an ever-growing need for more cooling to keep equipment going. Unfortunately, though we also have an aging workforce and a big skills shortage. In order to grow the industry, we as employers and business owners need to create pathways and encourage new people to come into the trade. New Zealand has such a university mentality, but you don’t need to go to university to be successful. When you do a trade you get paid to learn instead of graduating with a big student debt, and by the time you’re 25 you could potentially look at buying a house or starting your own business.”

Economech Maintenance Ltd service technician Nick Kelly has seen both sides of the coin, initially studying at university and qualifying as a primary school teacher.

“I was a teacher for five years, and although I enjoyed it, it wasn’t for me,” says the Hillsborough resident. “I decided to do a trade instead, and initially thought about becoming a builder, but at the time I was in my early thirties, so with longevity in mind, I thought HVAC might be a safer bet."

His teacher training stood him in good stead and William says Nick sailed through his RAC apprenticeship with flying colours adding, “Nick’s elective units were the highest quality work I’ve ever assessed in the RAC trade. Each assessment was in a well-organised folder, with exceptional layout and clear evidence. His attention to detail really set him apart and he consistently went above and beyond.”

Although he took the book work in his stride, it was the practical component of the apprenticeship that really piqued Nick’s interest.

“Economech provided lots of opportunities for me to do some really cool electives, like replacing a massive chiller and building a data hall. They were large scale jobs – I can’t imagine apprentices at many other companies getting those kinds of opportunities. It was cool that Economech trusted in me to do them.”

Now Nick has found his fit, and is excited for what lies ahead in the industry.

“Working is more enjoyable when you find something you really want to do, and I enjoy the variety of HVAC. I get to work on lots of different equipment, not just heat pumps but also chillers, process coolers, and package units. Not only that but there are lots of opportunities to progress in the industry - you could specialise in a certain area, move into management, or go out on your own.

“It’s about taking every opportunity that comes your way and finding out what works for you.”

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