Build an awesome career – even if you hated school. Having practical skills under your belt earns you cash, gives you confidence and lets you help your whānau and community. Even better, Māori and Pasifika can train for free – no strings attached. If you’re aged 16-40 and passionate about learning a trade, we’re here to help.
EARN GOOD MONEY
Learn practical skills you’re proud of, with no student loan. We’ll pay your fees and help you find work so you can earn money while training.
BE IN DEMAND
There aren’t enough qualified tradies in New Zealand and nearly 7000 new jobs are expected each year – which means more opportunity for you.
SKIP THE OFFICE JOB
Having trades skills means you can get paid to work outside and do the hands-on mahi (work) you love.
CAN I GET AN MPTT SCHOLARSHIP?
You might think scholarships are just for flash people – like those who get top marks at school or want to go to university. But many great careers have nothing to do with how academic you are.
Successful trades people have a great attitude, are good with their hands and enjoy doing practical work as part of a team. Our scholarships are for you if you’re serious about building a career in the trades. You’ll also need to be:
- Māori or Pasifika
- Aged 16-40
- Accepted into your chosen course*
*For us to pay your fees you’ll first need to get into your course – but we can help you with that too.
“I wasn’t even going to apply because I thought ‘I can’t get a scholarship’. It was a pretty exciting
feeling and I felt very privileged because it means I’m debt free when I walk out of my course.”
How we can help
MPTT supports Māori and Pasifika to build lasting careers in the trades. You’ll join hundreds of other Māori and Pacific Islanders who are learning a trade, and we’ll work closely with you to help you prepare for working life. When it comes to choosing the right course or finding that first job, we’ve partnered with training and industry organisations so you can go from beginner to qualified as smoothly as possible.
FREE FEES AND TOOLS
It can be hard to find the cash for your training. That’s why we’ll pay your
course fees – no strings attached. Once you’re an apprentice, we’ll also give you $1000 to spend on tools.
MENTORING
Besides nailing the practical skills, you need personal skills to make it on the job. To help you reach your goals, we’ll set you up with a ‘Navigator’ (mentor) who has knowledge of the industry and of Māori and Pasifika cultures.
FINDING WORK
We’ll show you how to land a job with the best employers. When you’re ready, we’ll help you find work and give you a ‘Work Readiness Passport’ that tells employers you’ve got what it takes.
Which trade is for you?
The right trade for you depends on your interests and personality. To help you choose, we’ve collected information about what each trade involves, how you can learn, and where it could take you.
Women in trades
Our wahine are thriving in the trades industry and developing sought-after skills. If you’re a woman thinking of learning a
trade, you won’t be alone. More and more women are entering the sector and building exciting, well-paid careers.
Whatever trade you’re into, take the first step by getting in touch with us today.
We can help you make a decision and start your training.
news + stories
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work readyStay sharp - Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Want to dominate in your trade and earn respect from others? Staying away from drugs and alcohol while you’re on the job will help you build your skills,...
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video profile"You gotta want it"
Jerome Ramsay started out as a labourer, before deciding to get more skills under his belt through a trades qualification. With help from MPTT Navigators,...
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work readyGot your drivers licence yet?
A drivers licence is crucial in the trades. Your boss might ask you to pick up supplies for a job, or you may need to travel between different work sites...
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success storyBack to her roots
Camille McKewin’s love of horticulture grew out of fond memories of gardening with her grandfather. She’s now using her skills to build a gardening...
Jobs + Noticeboard
Skills Organisation are running Saturday workshops every 6 weeks to help train and mentor Pasifika students doing their electrical training. Contact Tony or Issac to find out how they could benefit you.
Next workshop is on Saturday 26 August, 9am. Read more.
Heaps of jobs. Find one now.
Want to work local? Each Hub matches employers with local residents with the right skill set. Find a job in your area –
CBD, Ara (Airport) or Tamaki.
If you don’t have your licence yet, it’s the number one thing you can do while you’re training to help you get a job later. Here are some helpful tools. Read more
Are you an MIT student or graduate? The Career and Employment Solutions team at MIT are here to support you with our online Jobs Board and Career Resources. To access this information, visit our site.
Are you an Unitec student or graduate? The Careers Centre at Unitec are here to support you with our online Jobs Board and Career Resources. To access this information, visit our site.
As an MPTT scholar, you’re entitled to a $1000 tools grant once you start an apprenticeship. Apply within 18 months of finishing your course to avoid missing out.
Are you Tainui? Get 50% off on your drivers license fee. Find out more here.