Sixteen years after completing his Etco apprenticeship, Aucklander Sam Campbell has come full circle and employs the next generation of apprentices.
Now business owner and General Manager at Nexus Electrical, the hardworking 35-year-old has forged an exciting career in the industry. And he says the foundations laid at Etco – New Zealand’s largest employer and trainer of electrical apprentices – gave him a flying start.
“When I was at school I was there purely to play football, it didn’t interest me or hold my attention,” he admits. “But in my last year my parents said I needed a plan and I decided trades was for me. I quickly ruled out building and plumbing and went down the path of electrical. I found out about Etco and started my apprenticeship as soon as I finished school.”
It was an ideal gateway to the industry. Not only was Sam well-supported through the theoretical component of his training, but as an Etco apprentice, he gained invaluable hands-on experience across all facets of the trade, with several host businesses across Auckland.
“Etco kept me on my game, and they were proactive in making sure I got the right experience and wasn’t just stuck with one company working in one area.”
Sam kicked off his apprenticeship honing his residential skills before being placed in an industrial plant where he mastered industrial installs and maintenance, motor work and controls. His training was rounded off in the commercial space, working on large multi-million-dollar office towers and apartment blocks.
“Being able to move around and get that variety of experience was great,” he says.
It laid strong foundations for a global career – Sam went on to work in Australia and the UK, where he strengthened his expertise in high end residential projects. In 2017 he returned to New Zealand and teamed up with his father-in-law Leith Wilson who founded Nexus electrical in 1987. When Leith sadly passed away in 2019, Sam took over the business and he’s been lighting up Auckland homes and businesses ever since.
“We specialise in high end residential projects. Currently I’ve got a team of five. One of them is a former Etco apprentice and of my three current apprentices, we host two from Etco under their Group Employment Scheme.”
Why? Partnering with Etco is simple and hassle-free.
“We’ve had a few apprentices from Etco over the years. You need an apprentice, you put your feelers out and they come back with options. And if the apprentice doesn’t work out, Etco helps us find a solution. It’s a very straight forward and simple process.”
And when you own your own business, that’s one less headache to worry about.
“Keeping a business running is an ongoing challenge and there are a lot of different hats you have to wear. You have to mentor apprentices, you’re the first point of contact for homeowners and project managers, and you have to keep on top of ordering materials, invoices and scheduling. And you still have to pick up the kids from school and take them to swimming!”
By partnering with Etco, Sam is helping to build Aotearoa New Zealand’s next generation of skilled and resilient sparkies. If you are keen to take on an apprentice and want the assurance of a well-trained workforce for future growth of your business call Etco on 0800 275 3826 or email us at info@etco.co.nz