Training the Next Generation of Technicians

With 12 apprentices currently in training, 1M is investing in the future of building services in Aotearoa New Zealand — and helping address a national skills shortage while maintaining the high service standards customers expect.

Apprenticeships are not new to 1M, but the company has scaled up its efforts in recent years, with a focus on growing talent locally. As of May 2025, the business has six apprentices in their first year, one in their third year, and five in their final year of training. Apprenticeships are primarily delivered in partnership with Competenz, with quarterly check-ins to support learner progress and ensure training aligns with the needs of the business.

“We see apprenticeships as a long-term investment,” says Byron Keppler, Contracts Manager at 1M. “It’s about building capability within our own teams, so that we can maintain consistency and quality for our customers — and avoid relying on importing skills from overseas. The skill shortage in New Zealand is real, and this is one way we’re choosing to respond.”

The apprentices are spread across disciplines, including HVAC and mechanical building services. They work under experienced technicians on a wide range of customer sites, building hands-on experience while progressing through structured training.

Operations Service Manager Narvin Permal, who oversees nine of the current apprentices, says the programme benefits both customers and staff.

“We train our apprentices on our own systems, in our own environments, and that means they’re job-ready in the way we need them to be,” he says. “They’re learning from experienced senior techs, and at the same time, contributing to our service delivery.”

Albert Khou, now only weeks away from completing his Air Conditioning and Refrigeration apprenticeship, says his apprenticeship has been ‘transformational’.

“Before starting at 1M, I was quite a shy person without a lot of confidence and little experience in the industry. But, over the years, I’ve gained communication skills, built customer relationships and developed technical skills, so now I’m confident in my daily work — my apprenticeship has genuinely shaped who I am.”

Albert says every day on the job offers something different. “It’s not just air conditioning. You get exposure to plumbing, electrical, refrigeration — a broad mix. The variety keeps the job interesting and gives you a wide range of skills.”

Akashdeep Singh, in his third year of an apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, appreciates the practical learning environment 1M provides.

“I’ve learned so much from the senior technicians here — how to maintain, install and troubleshoot air conditioning systems. Now, I’m confident in my ability to manage these responsibilities efficiently and effectively.”

He adds, “The team makes it easy to learn. Everyone’s supportive and willing to share what they know.”

Narvin also notes the value of bringing in mature apprentices. Two of the current apprentices are adult trainees who have retrained from other industries, bringing transferable skills and a strong work ethic.

“People who make a career change often have a different level of motivation and professionalism. They know what they want, and they bring that maturity into the role,” says Byron.

The age range of current apprentices spans from 18 to mid-40s. While all current apprentices are male, efforts to improve gender representation are ongoing.

With all apprentices now supported through trade apprenticeships training providers and dedicated managers coordinating job placements and training progress, 1M is continuing to build a workforce equipped for the demands of the sector.

“It’s not just about filling a gap,” says Narvin. “It’s about building people up — and making sure our customers continue to receive the kind of service they can trust.”