Does a plumbing/gasfitting apprentice in New Zealand need to buy their own tools?
Asked by rachel l
I am an apprentice plumber and gasfitter in Queenstown, New Zealand. I am expected to buy my own tools, some of which cost up to $1000, to do company work with. I recently broke my $600 drill, and as i am on apprentice wages i can't afford a new one, so i am now being used a a labourer until i get a new one. I asked the bosses about insurance but their excess is $1000, so they won't cover it, and my household insurance won't either as it was being used for business purposes. To me this doesn't sound right. Is this the same in other companies? especially other gasfitting companies in New Zealand, or are our employers ripping us off!?

Best Answer:
sorry but yes that is the name of the game!!! small tools are your responsibility!!!!