There’s a lot of talk about a tough economy but that doesn’t need to hold you back from finding your start in the trades or levelling up from where you are. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can set yourself up for success. We spoke to the MPTT network to get the inside word on what employers want and where to look.
Work opportunities are on the way
The job market is always changing, but there are some key areas where demand for skilled tradespeople is steady. Even in the current economic environment, investment in public transport and urban infrastructure projects continues. Facilities management, maintenance and asset management mean there is ongoing work, too – not all new roles rely on new projects.
Donna Mendjan is Head of Talent Resourcing & Acquisition ANZ at Downer. She says there’s a strong pipeline of work in sectors like transport, utilities, and facilities management. This includes everything from road maintenance and water infrastructure to telecommunications and building services.
“Downer has contracts for government infrastructure projects and utility upgrades, which will need skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and civil engineers, as well as frontline civil crews, including Driver/Operators, Concrete & Asphalt Labourers,” she explains.
“The infrastructure and construction industry is incredibly rewarding. It offers hands-on work that directly shapes our communities. It also builds facilities that improve daily life for countless people.”
At Livingstone Building, James Woodford, Career Development Manager, is also closely monitoring the job market.
“It’s tight out there; I won’t say it’s not. But we are in a solid position, and we’re starting to see things pick up. It’s almost like that bell curve is starting to climb up now.
“A lot more tenders are coming onto the market, although there’s more competition. Two or three years ago, we might have had one other tender against us, but now we have three or four. But we’re fortunate to have a solid pipeline of work.”
Other industries are showing similar trends. Jodi Franklin from MITO talks with a range of employers in the automotive sector.
“Yes, it is slow out there at the moment, but there are still opportunities for apprentices. They might just need to be a little more persistent and patient for those opportunities to come up.
“The heavy automotive industries always seem to be relatively buoyant – that’s things like road transport, plant and equipment. Even in this environment, there’s a skills shortage. Light vehicle work is more dependent on people’s private spending, so it’s a bit slower. However, there are over 15 different pathways in automotive trades training – such as collision repair and that always has plenty of opportunities.”
“A lot of employers might be thinking, “I’ll take on the right person,” but they won’t advertise because they don’t want 100 people applying for their apprenticeship position. They want the right person to walk through their door.”
Sectors to watch:
- Transport and Infrastructure: Road maintenance and public transport projects, heavy vehicles.
- Utilities: Power, gas, water treatment, telecommunications.
- Facilities management: Maintenance of hospitals, schools, and government buildings.
If you’re interested in any of these areas, now is the time to start preparing.
Does size matter?
Understanding the different tiers of employers can help you tailor your approach when job hunting – they range from Tier 1 employers (like Downer) to small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Tier 1
Tier 1 companies like Downer offer large-scale projects with structured processes. Cecilia Tuala from Downer says, “We’re a business of 10,000 in New Zealand – right across the country. We service many Defence Force sites, and we’re proud to be one of eight companies involved in the City Rail Link.
Downer looks for employees who have a strong focus on health and safety, technical skills, and professionalism.
“Big projects mean a big focus on managing risk and keeping people safe. “Health and safety is huge for us. It’s important that our people get to return home. At Downer, a driver’s license is an advantage, especially if you’ve got your full license and can drive a manual vehicle. But the biggest thing is attitude, how you turn up every day within our business.”
Tier 2
Livingstone Building is a Tier 2 Commercial Construction company. James says this means anything from large-scale commercial buildings and warehouses to schools and recreational facilities. We also have an asset management branch, which completes smaller jobs such as maintenance and facilities management. They work with subcontractors and have strong relationships with training organisations and MPTT.
“At Livingstone, we make connections to support people in going where they want to go,” explains James.
“We believe that if we invest in the people, they’ll invest back in the company. We’re quite fortunate to have some very long-standing carpenters who are on that pathway. We try to keep around 35 to 40 apprentices so that we can grow them. Our retention rate has been really good.”
Some of the projects that Livingstone Building has completed.
SMEs
At the other end of the scale are SMEs – Small to Medium Enterprises. They may offer more flexibility but still expect the basics, such as a driver’s licence and good work ethic.
According to David Parsons from BCITO, SMEs often look for apprentices who are eager to learn on the job and can adapt quickly to different tasks. When you have a smaller crew, you may get exposure to a wider range of jobs and responsibilities.
The automotive sector also has a range of employer types, according to Jodi.
“If we’re just talking about working on cars, there are those small, one-man bands, garages that might just have a couple of staff. Those are the sort of workshops that do all of the work on all the different brands of cars. It means a wide range and a good grounding in different aspects of the industry.
“On the other hand, there are big brand franchises such as Toyota, Mitsubishi or Porsche. Their work focuses on one particular brand of vehicle so you can build your expertise on them.”
Stepping up can impress employers of all sizes, she says.
“I hear this all the time from employers: they really pay attention to the individual who has the confidence to come in, present themselves, and bring in a CV.
“If you show that you’d love to work there, it shows how interested you are in getting into the industry. Everyone knows it takes guts to approach people like that. What the employer sees then is your communication skills, how you present yourself, and your enthusiasm for entering the industry. That’s always the number one way to get noticed.”
Be ready for employment season
Certain trades have peak hiring seasons. For example, construction tends to ramp up in the warmer months when outdoor work is easier. If you’re aiming to secure an apprenticeship soon, now is the time to start preparing. MPTT has plenty of resources to up your work-readiness, and they’ve been set up to meet employers’ needs. Being prepared and having personal skills is a priority, and your technical skills will be built over time.
Make sure your CV is up-to-date and that you’ve added the qualifications you can, like a driver’s licence. Reach out to potential employers early so they know you’re keen.
Apprenticeship Boost could boost your chances
The Apprenticeship Boost programme provides funding to employers who take on apprentices. This means that if an employer hires you as an apprentice, they could receive financial support from the government — making it easier for them to bring you on board.
If you’re talking to potential employers, don’t be afraid to ask if they know about this programme. It could be the extra motivation they need to sign you up!
What employers are looking for
Employers want more than just technical skills—they’re looking for people who are reliable, safety-conscious, and ready to learn. As Cecilia Tuala mentioned, having a full driver’s licence is often seen as being “halfway there“ when it comes to getting hired.
But it’s not just about licences. Your attitude matters just as much. Employers want people who show up on time, listen well to instructions, and take health and safety seriously—especially in high-risk industries like construction.
Top skills to help you stand out
- Driver’s Licence: Full licence preferred; manual driving is a bonus.
- Attitude: Positive mindset and willingness to learn.
- Health & Safety Awareness: Essential for high-risk environments.
What you should look for in an employer
MPTT is all about supporting Māori and Pasifika to succeed and lead in the trades. Employers that share our values help create an environment where you can thrive.
We’re happy to support mahi that is going on with MPTT, says James. “We are trying to invest in our youth, invest in our apprentices because they are the carpenters of the future.”
Livingstone Building is also very supportive of wāhine in trades, having had some amazing women apprentices.
Pre-trades gets you on your way
Jodi Franklin from MITO (right) congratulates MPTT pre-trades graduates.
Good news! If you’ve completed pre-trades training through MPTT, you’re not starting from scratch—you’ve already laid a strong foundation.
Make sure you highlight these skills when talking to potential employers. They’ll appreciate knowing that you’ve already got some practical experience under your belt.
Jodi Franklin explains that it’s never too early to start.
“If you can do work experience while you’re at polytech doing Level 3, that’s invaluable. You might be offered an opportunity at the end of your programme or even during it.”
“It’s a chance to make a good impression and have someone from the industry who can vouch for you to another employer. They’ll know someone who’s looking for an apprentice or will give you a great reference. If you can fit work experience into your schedule, it can be a real game-changer. “
Get started
The job market might be competitive, but by understanding where the work is and what employers want, you can give yourself a head start. Whether it’s getting your driver’s licence sorted or brushing up on health and safety practices, every step counts towards securing your future in the trades.
Now’s the time to reach out to potential employers—whether they’re Tier 1 giants like Downer or local SMEs—and show them that you’re ready to work hard and learn fast.
And finally, make the most of your MPTT scholarship by staying in touch with your MPTT navigator. They often hear about opportunities early or are asked to make recommendations.