You might not think about them often – but without pumps, modern life would grind to a halt in just a few days. From water supply and wastewater management to industrial systems and critical infrastructure, pumps are constantly working behind the scenes. And keeping them running smoothly? That’s where skilled technicians like Shaun come in.
Shaun joined MTP at just 17 years old, armed with a positive attitude and a strong desire to learn. He wanted to build a career he could enjoy and grow in – and found exactly that opportunity when he began his apprenticeship as a Service Technician at Malcolm Thompson Pumps (MTP).
Now at 23, Shaun is a fully qualified Service Technician with hands-on experience across a wide range of pump systems and installations. He’s an integral part of the MTP team – a clear example of how apprenticeships here are more than just training programs; they’re launchpads for stable, skilled, and rewarding careers.
A Natural Fit for Engineering and Hands-On Work
Shaun had always been drawn to metalwork and engineering. Even as a kid, he would pull apart his toys, driven by a curiosity to understand how things worked. That hands-on, investigative mindset made the pump industry a natural fit – where no two days are the same, and there’s always something new to learn, dismantle, and repair.
“The first thing I noticed when I started as an apprentice pump technician at MTP was just how many types of pumps there are,” Shaun says.
“Before that, I’d never really thought about it – but once you’re in the industry, you realise how essential they are. And you also realise there’s a pump for just about everything.”
From Learning the Ropes to Leading Installs — Gaining the Expertise to Be the Best
Shaun’s apprenticeship gave him exposure to a wide range of hands-on tasks — from routine maintenance to complex pump installations. A typical day might involve:
- Performing system checks to detect early signs of failure
- Preventing breakdowns through proactive maintenance plans
- Installing specialised systems like submersible pumps or booster units
Throughout it all, Shaun was guided by experienced mentors who supported his growth and gradually entrusted him with more responsibility. Today, as a qualified technician, Shaun is often the face of MTP on job sites — managing customer relationships, troubleshooting technical issues, and delivering exceptional service.
“It’s not just technical,” he says. “You’ve got to work well with customers too – keep them informed, explain the work, and build that trust.”
A Career with Variety, Challenge, and Opportunity
At MTP, being a service technician goes far beyond pump maintenance. Technicians gain hands-on experience in plumbing, fabrication, and even landscaping work. With access to Electrical Reconnect and Disconnect certifications, there are also opportunities to broaden your skills and expand your career options.
For Shaun, it’s this combination of variety, challenge, and long-term stability that makes the role so rewarding.
“A pump technician isn’t just a job — it’s stable, secure work, and a pretty good earner too. Because no matter what, we’re always going to need pumps.”
Just as important, Shaun found a team that believed in him — people who supported his development, trusted him to learn, and gave him the space to grow in confidence. It’s this kind of environment, embedded in MTP’s apprenticeship program, that helps young people turn their curiosity into capability — and their first job into a lifelong career.
Looking to Kickstart a Hands-On Career?
If you’re curious, hands-on, and ready to build a rewarding trade with real opportunities for growth, an apprenticeship at MTP could be the perfect place to start.
Click here to learn more and view current openings on our careers page
