Author: Tarin Persson

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Thriving in the trades:
three tauira on the rise

Easter Isara – Furniture and Cabinet Maker, Artiture Joinery
MPTT Auckland is now five years old, which means more and more of our tauira (trainees) are getting qualified and making their mark on the workforce. To kick off a new year and a new decade, we caught up with three MPTT tauira to find out what they’re up to now. Be inspired by where their trade has already taken them, plus find out what their goals are for 2020 and how learning a trade has given them more options in life.
Chris Lautua
Apprenticeship Coordinator, The Electrical Training Company (ETCO)
When we last interviewed Chris Lautua back in 2016, he’d recently finished his pre-trades electrical course at MIT and landed an apprenticeship. The 33-year-old has now found a way to combine his love of electrical with his passion for helping others.


Chris Latua (left) when he was working as an apprentice in 2016
What are you doing now?

I started my electrical apprenticeship with Dickson Gray Electrical, where I focused on commercial and industrial projects, and finished it with Shaolin Electrical. While I enjoyed my time at Dickson Gray, I went to help a friend in his business (Shaolin Electrical) while learning the residential scene of the industry. This had many enjoyable challenges, and I finished my apprenticeship and became a registered sparky this year.

I’ve recently taken on the role of Apprenticeship Coordinator at The Electrical Training Company (ETCO). I originally wanted to travel for a bit after my registration, but this opportunity to work with young people while still being in the industry was an opportunity too good to turn down.

So, the travel plans have been cut shorter (my wife and I took a trip to Europe in December/January). However, I’m loving the opportunity to help other people in the trade. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the hands-on work, but helping others is always where my heart has been.

What are your goals for 2020?

I want to make more specific goals for health, home, work and life, so that I’m working towards something in every aspect of my life.

What do you love about having a trades career?

The trades is something you can take and do anywhere in the world. So, whatever plans pop up for me and my wife, I know I have a few things in my kitty I can rely on.

Comment from Chris’s employer, Brad Hepi, ETCO Northern Regional Manager:

Chris is a valued member of our team. He brings a lot of energy and has a great relationship with the youth of today. He comes from a place they’re just entering into. He’s been where they are now, and he’s come out the other side. He can relate to them and inspire them that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

“Chris is a live example of where you can get to. He did his time and he’s enjoying the benefits. He’s just come back from a world trip and that’s been possible for him financially because he got his qualification. If you do the mahi, you get the treats.”

Chris and his wife recently took a trip to Europe, visiting famous sights like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Easter Isara
Furniture and Cabinet Maker, Artiture Joinery
Easter Isara, 28, has thrown herself into the trades with 100% commitment — and it’s paying off. Since studying Furniture and Cabinet Making (Level 4) at Unitec in 2016 (when she also joined an MPTT Auckland team building cyclone-resistant homes for low-income families in Fiji), Easter has set herself on a course to a successful career with heaps of opportunities.


Easter may have finished her apprenticeship, but she’s hungry to keep developing her skills.
What are you doing now?

I finished my Furniture and Cabinet Making course at Unitec in 2016. A week later, I landed myself a job at Artiture Joinery on the North Shore and I’ve been here ever since. I managed to finish my apprenticeship in two years and three months, and I got my qualification in August 2019. I have absolutely no regrets getting into a trade and I’ve been lucky enough to have met and worked alongside some awesome and supportive people at my job.

What are your goals for 2020?

I want to develop my skills some more. There’s always so much more to learn even when you think you’ve learnt it all. I’ve always dreamt of travelling around New Zealand and the world, and next year I definitely want to start. Getting my qualifications sorted was definitely the most important thing for me and, now it’s done, I can focus on spending more time with my family and friends. Taking on a mortgage for a house is also something I want to look at next year.

What do you love about having a trades career?

By going into the trades, I’ve gained a job that lets me work with my hands and challenges me every day.

Each day being a tradie is never the same and it’s never boring. I traded up from a job that pays minimum wage, no matter how much effort you put in it, to a job that pays me well. It gets better with every skill I learn and every effort I put in.

Comment from Easter’s employer, Taryn Leathem, Artiture Joinery General Manager – Operations:

Prior to starting with us, Easter had completed a Furniture & Cabinet Making course at Unitec, which was a great lead into her position with us. It enabled her to progress through her apprenticeship quite quickly. At Artiture, our team and culture is really important to us and Easter has really brought into that.

Commercial shopfitting can be really hard work. We often need to work longer hours than usual and Easter’s the first person to put her hand up and say ‘Yep, I’m here’. I can always count on Easter; she’s incredibly reliable and an important member of our team. She’s fully qualified now and has picked up some great skills along the way.

“I’m really proud of what she’s achieved and, moving forward, her skills will continue to grow. Easter’s career path through joinery can take her anywhere.”

Toni Rhind
Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, KiwiRail
Toni Rhind, 28, completed her pre-trades course at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2018. She’s gone from strength to strength, being recognised for her excellent mahi by winning NZ Steel Apprentice of the Year in 2019. We spoke to Toni a year ago, and caught up with her again recently to ask a few questions.


Toni Rhind
Toni has her sights set on finishing her apprenticeship as soon as possible.
What are you doing now?

I’m doing my Mechanical Engineering (Level 4) qualification with KiwiRail. I recently finished working with Pacific Steel. At KiwiRail, I’ve had to learn new skills but I thoroughly enjoy and love working with a supportive team of blokes who are able to teach me the ropes and allow me to further my knowledge within this industry.

What are your goals for 2020?

My goals for 2020 would definitely have to be to smash out the theory side of my apprenticeship by April 2020. Although I’d love to finish my apprenticeship, I still have a few more hours I will need to complete, which may take a year and a bit.

What do you love about having a trades career?

I’ve traded up to a job that is constantly challenging me mentally and physically.

I love challenging myself and proving that I can do what men can do as well.

Being able to have more opportunities and more career choices within a trade qualification is something you’ll always see in the trades.

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How to deal with setbacks

Learning a trade takes hard work, and you’ll need to overcome obstacles to get there. That’s why it’s important to be able to bounce back when things don’t go to plan. MPTT trainee Stevi’Lee Furness has had her share of setbacks, but that hasn’t stopped her moving forward. Find out how the mechanical engineering trainee and single mum has overcome having her studies interrupted by pregnancy, and the challenges of getting her career started while raising her son.

When Stevi’Lee Furness began learning a trade, life threw her a curveball.

She was a top student in her welding and fabrication course at Unitec, but had to pull out just weeks before the end of the programme because she was 8 ½ months pregnant.

“It was frustrating not being able to finish. At that point, I’d worked so hard, and then it was a full-stop. But I was so glad I did the course anyway. I was happy to be keeping myself busy and applying myself, looking forward to a better future.”

Despite the setback in her training, Stevi’Lee chose to focus on the positives.

“I acknowledged that this was me moving on to the next step, which was motherhood. Going through that awesome part of my life, too. But I still had this drive that my child needs a reliable, dependable mother who can support him. I had to figure out a way to make good money and love my job,” she says.

“Having a baby gave me that extra drive. I was thinking, ‘You’ve got to do this – your child depends on your education and future jobs’.”

After having her son Caezar (now two years old), Stevi’Lee was back in full-time study five months later. Unitec had made changes to its curriculum in the meantime, so her welding and fabrication training was now part of a mechanical engineering course, which she completed in June 2019.

Her MPTT Navigator, Tu Nu’uali’itia, says Stevi’Lee’s motivation to return to study is an inspiration for other trainees who face obstacles.

“Her greatest quality is resilience – the ability to bounce back from a challenge in her journey to achieving her goal. She’s a real inspiration for single mums who are doing it tough, because of the future she wants for herself and her baby.”

Stevi'Lee with her navigator Tu Nu’ualitia
Tu Nu’ualitia, left, supported Stevi’Lee through her challenges and believes she is an inspiration to other taiura.
Mother nature

When Stevi’Lee first returned to study, she had support from her mum to care for Caezar.

“He stayed with my mum for the days and nights I was studying. It was painful. I spent so much time away from my child. I didn’t have a vehicle yet either, so it was really annoying because I couldn’t pick him up and drop him off.”

It was a struggle to be away from Caezar, she says.

“It sucks to sacrifice that time with him. But at the same time, sometimes you’ve just got to do it. In my position, I’m mum and dad. I’ve got to be the bread-winner and the caregiver.

“I sacrificed so much time with my child, but at the same time, it drove me to keep doing it. Because I can be there for my child but I’m useless if I can’t support him financially in his future. I think I balanced it well, and here I am, finished.”

After having Caezar, Stevi’Lee lived with her mum for the first few months and then moved into her own place.

The 25-year-old is grateful for the support from her mum, which helped her return to study and get her mechanical engineering certificate.

“You do need good support to raise a child while studying or working full time. It just depends how badly you want it. Some mums won’t want to, and that’s okay. It does make a lot of sense having that support – it really helped me.”

Foundational support

As an MPTT trainee, Stevi’Lee also received support through a scholarship and one-on-one mentoring.

“It was honestly so helpful. Plus, it was really cool to go around and say, ‘Guess what? I got a scholarship’,” she says.

Being awarded the scholarship added to her motivation to study and work hard.

“The scholarship isn’t just free money; it’s an incentive because it’s telling you that you’re worth it. Because that’s exactly what it meant to me. Apart from having less of a student loan, a scholarship is something people get from doing really well, and you get picked out of a certain few.

“Being offered that scholarship through MPTT, man, that was awesome. It made me feel really good. Everybody should feel like that.”

The personal support offered by her MPTT Navigator was also valuable.

“I love Tu – he’s awesome. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s straight forward. He doesn’t make false promises and he makes it clear that you have to work for it.”

Driving ambition

Having finished her pre-trade course, Stevi’Lee has faced another obstacle – not having her own transport.

“I’m looking for a job in mechanical engineering, but I’ve needed a car. I’ve had people like my lecturer say, ‘Look, I can refer you on to an employer, but you need to be able to get all the way out to Mt Wellington’. So, I told myself, I really need a car and there’s no other way around it. So I just went and got a part-time job so I could save up for that. I’ve now bought my car, so progress is coming to fruition in my trades journey.

Stevi'Lee Furness
Stevi’Lee has her sights set on becoming a project manager one day, and providing the best possible future for her son.

“Right now I’m working at a local bar, even though I’m not qualified for hospo. But I worked my butt off and proved I can do it. I was quite fortunate to get that job, and it’s close to home. It’s just the next step in putting myself into that mechanical engineering job.

“I would love to do my apprenticeship, and I’m hopeful I can get into project management one day.”

Tu says it’s great to see a young MPTT trainee aiming for a leadership position in the trades.

“It would be a really positive outcome if she did go down that path, because it’s actually leaping forward in her career and showing a lot of ambition. The trades sector needs many more people who believe in their own value and worth to excel and become leaders in the workplace.

“Importantly, our Māori and Pacific people need to see examples of tauira like Stevi’Lee excelling, to be inspired in their own life aspirations.”

Stevi-Lee says it’s important to stay positive when you face setbacks in your training.

“Accept the curve ball. Don’t think that because you’re here right now, you can’t be somewhere else in the future.

“Don’t get disheartened when you come to a road block. It just means you have to figure out a new way around. Where there’s a will there’s a way. You just have to get through whatever the situation is.

“You have to keep looking out for opportunities and don’t give up.”

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Chance encounter sparks trades career

After studying marketing and working her way into hotel management in Samoa, a lucky encounter saw Flora Rivers take a leap across the Pacific and into the trades. The construction apprentice and MPTT scholar was recently the keynote speaker at the Women in Trades Mini Conference, where she shared her inspiring story with other women looking to join the industry.

Flora’s trades career began unexpectedly, thanks to a broken chair.

She was managing a hotel in Samoa when a guest accidentally damaged the chair, and Flora decided to attempt fixing it.

“And I did. I fixed it,” says Flora. “I was so proud of myself. It looked sturdy and nearly perfect. Except the same guest came around and sat on the chair again, this time completely ruining it. So I had no choice but to throw it away.”

But a couple named Janice and Craig, who were staying at the hotel, saw Flora’s efforts and asked to speak with her urgently.

Flora visited their hotel unit, unsure of what to expect. When she walked in, she was stunned to see a neat spread of tools laid out on the bed, the floor and the kitchen counter.

“They told me they’d seen my attempts to fix the chair, then asked what I thought of the tools in front of me. They hoped I liked them because they were all for me.”

Craig, who was a tradie, then picked up each tool and told her its name and how to use it.

For the rest of Craig’s stay at the hotel, Flora spent her spare time learning from him. They crawled under local houses to inspect pipes and search for defects. They fixed small issues, and created a plan for the bigger jobs to be done in the future.

“Some of those big jobs I hope to one day be able to fly back home and fix myself,” she says.

Family matters

Flora soon began looking into formal construction training. She eventually moved to New Zealand to study at Unitec with help from an MPTT scholarship.

Coming from a life in Samoa where she was surrounded by loved ones, a big challenge for Flora is being apart from her family.

“The most difficult thing for me is having to be away from my family every single day. Not a single day can pass without me wishing I could open the door when I get home from work and see them all there.”

With Flora being “the third stubborn daughter out of five”, her parents soon came around to supporting her unexpected career choice.

“This is not what my parents had envisioned for me. But they supported me when I took the leap alone to New Zealand to pursue a trades career, and continue to support me in my apprenticeship with encouragement and always believing in me.”

Flora discovered her future employer Johnstone Construction at the Women In Trades 2018 conference, where they were hosting a ‘Have A Go’ excavator activity. Impressed by their support of gender diversity in the trades, she eventually joined the team and now holds the title of their first female site crew member.
Women’s work

With the trades still being a male-dominated industry, the MPTT scholarship and Unitec course helped Flora meet other women tradies.

“It was great meeting other girls who were doing the same thing. Knowing I wasn’t alone and seeing other women who were interested in the trades was a huge boost.”

Flora, 25, is now an apprentice at Johnstone Construction, the company’s first female site crew member.

She says women joining the trades should be prepared for some challenges, but shouldn’t try to become someone they’re not.

“You will be forcibly pushed out of your comfort zone, mainly because the industry is still very heavily dominated by men. But don’t worry, you will get used to being surrounded by them and their banter,” she says.

“If I have one recommendation, it’s that you don’t have to pretend to be a male; you can still be a woman and use the tools. You don’t have to try and act or speak the way men do. You can be true to you and be just as good as anyone else – if not better.”

Flora, right, at last year’s Women in Trades Conference
Go figure

As a woman, Flora quickly spotted room for improvement in the gear she had to wear on site.

“The workwear is all geared towards men and their figures, not ours. That, of course, is understandable, but the times are starting to slowly change,” she says.

“Because of my background, I have started to design, and my mother is helping me sew, proper workwear attire for women: work shirts and trousers that suit female figures, and have the required fluro and safety elements. So maybe one day, there will be more options on the market for women in trades to dress comfortably, safely and practically.”

Flora is currently testing her designs on the job, and she hopes to make them available to other women tradies next year.

“It’s quite technical. I want to make sure the pieces last, as well as fit women’s bodies. First I wear it on site to see if it tears. If it does, I go back to mum and talk about it over video so she can make improvements using the right materials.”

Constructing a career

Flora is loving life as a tradie, and enjoys getting outdoors to do hands-on work.

“My office space is forever changing, and is 10 times larger than any fancy enclosed box in a high-rise building. And one day, I’ll probably be able to say I helped build one of those buildings.

“I enjoy being able to get dirty in the best way at work. This is one career where the phrase ‘my blood, sweat and tears’ are all true, and I’ve learned to love it.”

The variety in her job means there’s always something new to capture her interest.

“I love being able to do yesterday’s hard job a lot easier today, and being able to continuously grow and progress in a field without getting bored, because every day will be a challenge.”

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Crossing the finish line:
Get qualified on time

Finishing your apprenticeship means you can stop studying and start enjoying being a qualified tradie – including earning more money and having more job opportunities.

But getting qualified is more of a marathon than a sprint. From your pre-trades course to the end of your apprenticeship you’ll be training for several years, so it’s important to stay motivated along the way.

The exact time it takes depends on your trade, and whether you already have some of the skills you need (like if you’ve worked as a hammerhand). But no matter what your situation, the sooner you get certified, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits. Plus, if you wait too long without progressing, you might need to pay another apprenticeship fee.

Remember, you’re never alone in your training journey – there’s heaps of support to help you get your qualification. So read on for how to ensure you complete your apprenticeship in good time, and what to do when problems come up.

Why get qualified?

It takes work to get your qualification, so it’s important to remember why you’re doing it.

Jodi Franklin from MITO says there are a lot of benefits to getting qualified besides not having to study anymore.

“A lot of things happen when you get qualified. It’s not just a certificate; generally you’re rewarded in the workplace with a pay increase. And the world’s your oyster in terms of being able to take your qualification all over the world. If you want to go and live somewhere else for a change of scenery, you can take your qualification with you.”

On the other hand, if you don’t get qualified, you’ll limit your opportunities and how much you can earn, says Jodi.

“It doesn’t matter how close you get to completing your qualification. Even if you finish 99%, it’s not recognised until you complete it.”

So if you want more money and more mana on the job, and the freedom to take your skills overseas or start your own business, get your certification sorted as soon as you can.

Take away: You need to get qualified to get the benefits from your training, like more money and more job opportunities.
Good timing

When you sign on for an apprenticeship, your training provider (called an Industry Training Organisation, or ITO) will let you know how long it’ll ideally take you to complete your qualification. Depending on your trade, this is usually between 2 years and 4 ½ years of being an apprentice.

But it’s important to know that apprenticeships aren’t just about the hours you spend on site. Instead, you need to show the skills you’ve developed, says Doug Leef from BCITO.

“It’s all about competency. We all learn differently and, as such, progression from person to person differs. A lot of this comes down to the relationships forged on the job site and the quality of training and supervision given to trainees.”

Your employer is responsible for making sure you get the practical training you need during your apprenticeship, says Doug.

“That onus falls on the employer. It’s their responsibility to get trainees qualified. When they sign the apprentice up, we make the employer aware of the scope of work required.”

Take away: Apprentices need to show they have the right practical skills. Your boss is responsible for making sure you learn all the skills you need on the job, but you can help move things along quickly. Have a chat to your boss or ITO training advisor about the skills you need to learn, and make a plan for what you want to get signed off at your next meeting with your training advisor.

Getting qualified is more of a marathon than a sprint.
In theory

But it’s not enough to just show up to work and do what your employer says. As an apprentice, you need to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. That’s where theory or book work comes in.

“It can be a bit daunting to have all this theory to learn,” says Doug. “But you’ve got to understand the underpinning theory and the reasons behind why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s not just throwing houses up; it’s about compliance, accountability and administration.”

The biggest challenge for most apprentices is finding time for their theory work on top of working full-time. Depending on your trade and schedule, you might do your theory work during a block course (where you go into a classroom with other trainees on certain days), a night class after working hours, or at home in your spare time.

“It’s about managing your hours,” says Aimee Hutcheson from Skills. “Most apprentices are flat tack as soon as they enter the industry, so they need to work with their employer to fit in time for their theory work.”

To make sure your theory work doesn’t build up and get overwhelming, make time to work on it regularly, says Jodi.

“The most successful apprentices are the ones who get into a routine. It might help to go along to a night class. Otherwise, you need to find that one night where you’re not playing rugby or busy with other commitments. Even just a couple of hours a week makes a big difference. Doing a little bit and often is the key to success.”

Take away: Make time every week to do a bit of your theory work, so you don’t fall behind. When you regularly do work towards your qualification, you know you’re building your skills and getting closer to being a skilled tradie. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone – there’s heaps of support available, so if you need help or have a question, talk to your boss or training advisor.
Needing help – it’s normal

Many trainees feel whakamā (shy or embarrassed) when asking for help. But the truth is, everyone needs help at some point in their training.

Remember, it’s normal to need to ask questions sometimes, and no-one expects you to know everything.

“We’re all embarrassed to ask for help from time to time,” says Doug. “But you need to put your hand up early. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.”

One reason you might need support is if you don’t understand something your tutor says in class. It’s really important to speak up, because no question is a dumb question. Chances are, other students are wondering about the same thing.

“We do have people who have had to resit exams because of the spiral effect of being too shy to ask questions in class,” says Aimee. “Then they’re resitting because they’ve never had the relationship with their tutor to not be whakamā to ask questions and ask for help.”

Having learning differences, like dyslexia, can also mean you need to ask for help. If you’re not sure if that applies to you, don’t worry. Your ITO will do a quick test to see if you’d benefit from help with literacy or numeracy – and there’s plenty of support available.

“You can talk to your employer or tutor if you need help, or your training advisor (from your ITO) is just a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns,” says Aimee.

“You’ve got to build that confidence to be able to ask questions and ask for help if you’re struggling. At the end of the day, we all want you to get through and get qualified, and to feel like you’re achieving as well – to understand what you’re learning, not just check a box.”

Take away: Everyone needs help sometimes, so make sure you speak up if you don’t understand something or are finding anything difficult.
Work worries

At some point during your apprenticeship, you might need to change jobs.

“Some trainees want to change employers because they’re travelling too far for work, or there’s not enough work, or maybe they’re not getting on with people on site,” says Doug. “It’s not the trainee or the employer’s fault – it’s just life.”

It’s okay to change jobs if you need to, but remember that an apprenticeship is an agreement between three parties: you, your employer and your apprenticeship provider. So when you leave your employer, you break the apprenticeship contract and you’ll need to sign another one with your next employer.

Before you change jobs, make sure your new boss is supportive of you doing an apprenticeship, says Jodi.

“You don’t have to stick it out in an employment situation that’s not right for you. And it’s the same if apprentices are laid off because their employer doesn’t have enough work for them or they want experience in other parts of the industry.

“You can change jobs and continue your apprenticeship, if you have the support of your new employer.”

If you’ve already had parts of your apprenticeship signed off and completed, don’t worry. The work you’ve already completed will stay in the system and you can transfer that to your new job.

But remember, changing jobs often takes time, which can delay your progress. For example, your new employer might want you to do a trial for a few months before giving you an apprenticeship. So change jobs if you need to, but don’t do it lightly.

Take away: It’s best to stay with your employer if you can. If you need to change jobs, make sure your new boss wants to give you an apprenticeship.
Need a break?

Sometimes life gets in the way of your learning. If you’re not able to work for a while, then you might be able to take a brief break from your apprenticeship, as long as your boss is on board.

“If you take a short break due to injury, then as long as your employer is aware of it and you’re still employed by the same company, it’s not an issue,” says Doug.

“For example, if you’ve hurt your knee playing rugby and you’re on ACC then we’ll say, ‘This person’s not working; they’re still in their apprenticeship, but their employer and ITO recognise they’re not fit for work’. So we can put your apprenticeship on hold until you can work again.”

But remember, you can’t put your apprenticeship on hold forever. You need to talk to your boss and ITO about why you need a break, and make a plan for when you’ll return.

“Apprenticeships can time out,” says Aimee. “Sometimes you can get an extension, but not by much. If you run out of time, you can be charged a fee because it’s almost like you’re signing up for that year of your apprenticeship again. You can’t just put it on hold indefinitely.”

Take away: If you need a break, talk to your employer and ITO and see if they can support your break from work. Just make sure you don’t leave it too long before you come back to your apprenticeship, because the longer you leave it, the more difficult it is to get back into it – plus you might be charged an extra fee.
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Want to get qualified on time? Do this

Maori and Pasifika trades Carpenter building wooden building on a construction site showcasing skills and craftsmanship.

Keen to enjoy the money and mana that come with being qualified? With focus and dedication, MPTT alumni Shannon Ngawharau finished his construction apprenticeship in great time. Read on for tips on how you can finish your apprenticeship on time, too.

Most apprenticeships typically take around 3½ to 4½ years. But it isn’t just about the hours you put in. To get qualified, you need to show you have certain skills. That means if you’re motivated, you can finish faster – like Shannon.

Having previously served in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Shannon had leaned how to be disciplined. By working hard and focusing on ticking the right boxes, the 36-year-old completed his construction apprenticeship in around two years. If you’re thinking you could never find that kind of motivation, it might help to know that Shannon has been there too.

“I already did an electrical apprenticeship and that took me quite a long time – about 5½ years. So I know what it’s like to be unmotivated and I know what it’s like to be motivated as well.”

Speed isn’t everything, and it’s important to take the time you need to properly learn your trade. But by doing some of what Shannon did, you can help ensure you finish your apprenticeship in good time – so you can enjoy being a qualified tradie.

Passionate Maori and Pasifika trades worker building wooden structure at construction site in New Zealand, showcasing skills and cultural craftsmanship.
Having the goal of being a qualified builder helped Shannon stay focused on completing his apprenticeship.
Building speed

Although Shannon (Ngāti Ruanui) had previously trained as an electronic technician through the NZ Navy, when he signed up to learn construction he was new to the trade. In fact, he hadn’t worked with timber since woodwork class in high school.

After completing a pre-trades construction course at Unitec in 2015, Shannon began his apprenticeship in 2016. This involved signing a three-way contract between himself, industry training organisation BCITO, and his employer Your Home Construction, which specialises in high-end residential and light commercial work.

Having learned the theory of his trade during his pre-trades course, Shannon worked hard to show this knowledge in his paperwork. He also made a plan for what practical skills he’d need to get signed off when he met with his training advisor every three months.

“It was a combination of things that helped me get it done pretty fast. My boss had a wide scope of work available, so I kind of got to choose where I’d work.

“I planned all the practical units that I wanted to get signed off every three months, and worked on those skills before I met with my training advisor.”

Shannon’s boss Charles Lindsay, owner of Your Home Construction, says Shannon’s planning and determination quickly paid off.

“He approached getting qualified like a business, with a goal and a plan to achieve it. His paperwork was flawless. He had photos and everything. You’d be hard pressed to find another like him, I’ll tell you that much.

“I’ve said to all my other apprentices, if you do anything even close to what Shannon did, you’re going to pass with flying colours and get it done in good time.”

Shannon (left) with his boss Charles Lindsay, owner of Your Home Construction.
Constructing a career

From the start of his pre-trades course at Unitec, Shannon was determined to finish his apprenticeship and get qualified.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. Once I’d dedicated myself to the course, I knew I wanted to carry on and get my qualification.

“I worked with another guy who did the same course as me and he chose to just work as a labourer, but I went the other way. There was a little bit more work for me to get qualified, but it was always something I was going to do anyway. If you’re working in the industry, you might as well get something out of it at the same time.”

A trades qualification stays with you as you look for jobs or travel the world, Shannon points out.

“Once you have it, you can take it pretty much anywhere. You can go and work in Australia if you like. Your qualification is recognised in a lot of places.

“If I was just a labourer, then every time I got a new job I’d have to prove myself based on my work. But now that I have a qualification, I can back myself up with that, as well as showing them what I can do on the job.”

He encourages other trainees to focus on what they want for their long-term future.

“You just need to have the right attitude if you want to get qualified. You have to think about the end goal, not the short-term goal.

“Visualise that, because there are going to be times when you’re doing long hours or doing the same mundane job – carrying materials around site or whatever – and you just have to keep in mind what you want to get out of it.”

Charles says completing an apprenticeship and getting qualified is a huge improvement to a trainee’s life and career.

“You’ve got to look into your future and think about where you want to be in life. If you want to be a hammerhand, you’re going to plateau at one level for the rest of your life. But if you want to be the boss dog and earn big money, you’ve got to get your apprenticeship done and get qualified. So get your qualification done. Just do it.”

Before each meeting with his training advisor, Shannon planned the skills he wanted to get signed off and made sure he learned those skills on the job.
High rise

Now that he’s qualified, Shannon still works for Your Home Construction and received a pay rise when he finished his apprenticeship.

“At my age I’m just happy working for someone else. I’m currently finishing off a Diploma in Construction Management, so I’m kind of hoping to transition into project management down the track.”

Not having to worry about working towards his qualification anymore is a huge plus for Shannon.

“The big thing for me is that it takes the weight off my shoulders. Now I can relax and learn the craft more instead of having to think about my next meeting with my training advisor.”

There was no big change in how people treated him at work, mostly because his team assumed he was already qualified.

“Charles put me in charge of the sites I was working on anyway, even when I was still an apprentice. I think he knew what type of person I was, you know, and he had an idea that even though I was new to the trade, I wasn’t completely fresh because of my previous experience in the Navy.

“So once I did get qualified, the other people on site were like, ‘Oh true, we didn’t know you weren’t qualified’. They just assumed I was already a qualified builder because they didn’t think an apprentice would be running jobs.”

Shannon’s motivated attitude is what made him a great candidate to run jobs on site, says Charles.

“You can teach building skills, but you can’t train someone’s mindset to be keen. If someone’s not keen, you might get a really good builder out of them, but they’re not going to go that extra distance and push themselves so much.

“Most apprentices just ask, ‘what are we doing next?’ Whereas Shannon was always thinking forward, and that’s the hardest thing to find. A lot of people just go with the flow, but he always had a game plan of what to do next, and he’d even start making a list of materials we’d need for that job.”

Enthusiasm for the job is the main thing employers look for when hiring, says Charles.

“If someone’s keen they’re going to want to come to work every day, they’re going to want to work hard, and they’re going to want to learn. And that’s something Shannon’s had. He just wanted to get qualified and learn everything he could as fast as he could.”

 

 
How to finish your apprenticeship on time – or even faster

  • Make time for your theory work.

    As part of your assessment, you’ll need to show you understand the theory behind what you do. So don’t leave your paperwork until the last minute. Make time to do a bit of paperwork each week, so you stay on top of it and can remember what you learn.

  • Plan the practical work you need to get signed off.

    It’s up to your boss to make sure you learn the skills you need, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show initiative. Talk to your boss about the skills you need to get signed off, and how you might be able to do that before your next meeting with your training advisor. Don’t be shy – your boss will likely be impressed by your motivation.

  • Stick with your employer if you can.

    When you change jobs, you break your apprenticeship contract. Even though you can continue your apprenticeship with a new employer, it can take a few months before you sign the new contract. So by staying with one employer for your whole apprenticeship like Shannon did, you’re more likely to finish quickly. If you do need to change jobs along the way, make sure your new employer is happy to offer you an apprenticeship.

For more tips on getting qualified on time, see our blog on how to cross the finish line of your training.

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Your simple guide to becoming a certified tradie with MPTT

So you’ve started learning a trade – but what happens next? At MPTT, we’re here to guide you right through your journey to becoming certified. Once you finish your pre-trades course, we’ll be there to help you until you are fully qualified.

Check out this guide to see what support you’ll be getting as an MPTT trainee. How many steps have you completed so far? 

Watch the video or view our Kaiārahi (guide) below.

Or download a larger pdf at this link: Student Journey Map

MPTT Student Journey
MPTT Kaiarahi
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MPTT’s response to the education reform

In February, the government proposed big changes to trades training in New Zealand. Along with others in the trades industry, we went to workshops and consultations about the proposed plans and encouraged everyone to have their say.

After these discussions, we created a written response to the government’s plans, outlining our collective views and recommendations. As a consortium, we agree there is a need for reform. However, we don’t support all the details of the current proposal and we have emphasised the need for close consultation with Māori and Pacific communities. Please read our full submission below.

RoVE submission – Māori and Pasifika Trades Training: Auckland

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On track for success

At just 18 years old, Ben Poutasi lost his father in a tragic car accident. As the eldest of six kids, he took on the role of providing for his family with a job at Burger King, before learning a trade by day and working at night. Now aged 20, Ben is an automotive apprentice with dreams of being his own boss.

For Ben Poutasi, learning a trade was about providing for his aiga (family).

After tragically losing his father shortly after finishing high school, Ben worked closing shifts at Burger King to help pay the bills.

Ben’s father had been a mechanic and a builder, and Ben decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps with his career.

“I thought I better get a trade under my belt, basically to help take care of my family.”

Since helping his mum provide for his five siblings was top of his priority list, Ben needed his training to lead him straight into paid work – something he says is a strength of learning a trade.

“With university you get a degree, but often no-one’s helping you get a job in that field you studied for. I see a lot of my friends with degrees just staying at home, playing on the games.

“Heaps of them end up working in something completely different to what they studied. I think getting a trade is better.”

Streets ahead

As an MPTT scholarship recipient, Ben not only had his course fees paid for, he had career coaching and help finding a job.

“When I found out I had the scholarship, I was still working at Burger King and I was going to try and find an apprenticeship and pay that off while working. I was going to skip the pre-trades course because I couldn’t afford it.”

Ben, who is Samoan, finished his Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3) at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in November 2017. With help from MPTT Navigator Travis Fenton, he was able to go straight into an apprenticeship at Rangitoto Motors.

“Travis told me Rangitoto Motors was looking for an apprentice – so I went there straight away, printed off my CV and gave it to the boss, and had an interview with him.”

Ben says Travis has been there with advice and support from the start.

“He’s helped me a lot. At first, I didn’t even know how to sign up for the scholarship or enrol for my course, so he helped me with that too. And finding an apprenticeship was pretty hard to do but, thanks to Travis, I found one.”

As an MPTT scholar, Ben also received $1000 to spend on tools when he got his apprenticeship. That helped him buy a tool box as well as some equipment he needs for the job.

He also earned a scholarship from MITO to cover the first year of his apprenticeship fees.

Track to success

Mike Atkinson, owner of Rangitoto Motors, says Ben is excelling as an apprentice because of his willingness to work hard and try new things.

“He’s probably one of the better ones (apprentices) I’ve ever come across,” says Mike. “He has no fear. It doesn’t matter how big or small the job, he’s just keen to do it and he’s keen to learn. He’s definitely a strong part of our team now.”

Mike says Ben’s work ethic, responsibility and maturity beyond his years mean he’ll go far in the automotive industry.

“I see potential for Ben. He could potentially take over from me one day – that’s the angle I’m pushing him towards.”

Ben with his employer Mike Atkinson, owner of Rangitoto Motors
Ben’s boss Mike Atkinson (left) says the industry is crying out for more young people like Ben.

Mike says he’s really pleased to see the work MPTT is doing to help build a qualified workforce in the automotive industry.

“We’re crying out for more skilled young people; it’s so hard to hire good mechanics these days. Anyone who’s helping to address that shortage has my full support.”

Family vehicle

Ben lives with his mum and siblings in their Mangere home and he says their support has been a huge help.

“We’re a close family. My mum’s been there for me the whole way.”

Ben says he’s been encouraging his siblings to consider learning a trade.

“I talk to my sister about it quite a bit. She wants to go to MIT in the future.”

One reason Ben recommends a career in the trades is for the variety of work – he never gets bored.

“It’s great not having to do the same thing over and over again. Every day is different. There are lots of different vehicles for a start, especially with new electric vehicles coming out.”

As a tradie, Ben loves that he gets to use his hands and move around as he works.

“I’m glad I’m not stuck in an office – I’d get bored sitting there all day!”

Staying the course

Completing a pre-trades course at MIT helped Ben prepare for the demands of an automotive workshop.

“They showed us the different parts of a vehicle, which was useful because I knew things like what brake pads were when I started. It was good to have that background knowledge.”

Since starting his apprenticeship, Ben has enjoyed building his skills on the job.

“The practical work is cool. I’ve learned a lot of stuff and it hasn’t even been a year yet.”

As an apprentice, Ben has the added challenge of theory work and assessments to complete.

“The paperwork can be pretty hard, but I’ll get there. All the answers are there so I just need to learn them.”

As an MPTT trainee, Ben will continue to get support right through his training – including advice and mentoring from his MPTT Navigator Travis, to help Ben accelerate in his career.

Thinking of learning a trade? Find out more about MPTT’s scholarships and see if you qualify.

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Plumbing trainee breaks the mould

By Alan Apted, Stuff/Manukau Courier

In an age where the growing shortage of plumbers has industry leaders sounding the alarm, Hera Eruera burns as bright as the flame from her welding torch.

Eruera, 22, is the only female in a group of 16 apprentices at the Manukau Institute of Technology’s School of Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying and she is loving it.

“In my mind, plumbing was all about toilets. But I’ve since discovered it’s a lot more than that.”

“I love everything the trade offers, especially the variety.”

“There is gas fitting, the welding, working with sheet metal, working on roofs, drainlaying, working with hot and cold water systems. I have a far better understanding of what’s involved now and I love it.”

The former Māngere College student says it was her tutor and welder with 30 years experience John McDonald who opened her eyes to the world of plumbing and the financial security that qualified plumbers enjoy.

 

MIT tutor John McDonald with MPTT Plumbing trainee Hera Eruera
Experienced welder and MIT tutor John McDonald has played a pivotal role in building Hera’s confidence, passion and skillset. Photo: Alan Apted

Industry figures show that newly qualified plumbers earn around $50,000 a year. Experienced, certifying plumbers can earn more than $75,000 while experienced self-employed plumbers earn between $80,000 and $100,000 a year or even more.

New Zealand needs around 60,000 tradespeople over the next five years, according to Master Plumbers. It says there is a major shortage of skilled plumbers, especially in Auckland.

“The plumbing workforce needs to grow by nearly 40% by 2021 to keep up with current demand,” Master Plumbers’ chief executive Greg Wallace said. “The current shortage of plumbers means that the career prospects for all plumbers are excellent.”

“Plumbers are in high demand, and there is a certain level of job security which other career paths cannot offer.”

Women like Eruera is what Women in Trades NZ is after. They have had more than 100 women including 77 school girls attended an open day in Auckland recently.

“Women represent less than 3% of tradespeople so there is a big opportunity to increase the workforce through diversifying the traditionally male dominated trades role. However, research and feedback from employers has found that despite the active targeting of women through female specific scholarships and apprentice awards there is limited uptake,” a spokeswoman said.

For Eruera, who is training under a scholarship from Māori and Pasifika Trades Training: Auckland, she will be breaking through other obstacles.

 

Plumbing trainee Hera Eruera
Plumbing trainee Hera Eruera works on her brazing skills. Photo: Alan Apted

 

“I will be the first tradie in my family,” she vows.

“I’m a CYFs (Child, Youth and Family) child, given up when I was young – although I was reunited with my mum and dad later in life. We depended on welfare and there was lots of alcohol and drugs.”

She says the things that matter most to her now are financial security and being a good example to her children.

“I also know that once I qualify I’ll never be unemployed,” Eruera said.

“My tutor John McDonald convinced me of this. It’s why I’m here.”

“I see myself owning my own business one day, even becoming a tutor like John. It will be a way of giving back.”

* This article was originally published in the Manukau Courier and on stuff.co.nz

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How to negotiate with your boss

Want a pay rise or more flexible work hours? It could be as simple as asking your boss. But it’s not as easy as flicking them a text message – if you want your boss to take your request seriously, you need to show that you take it seriously too. These tips will help you talk to your boss and ask for what you want – even if you’re nervous.

So you like your job and the team you work with, but you wish you were earning more. Or maybe work would be perfect, if only you could adjust your hours. The best way to go from a good job to a great job isn’t always to apply for a new role – try asking your boss for what you want first.

But what should you say, and what happens if they don’t say yes? Here’s how to negotiate with your boss and get the job you want.

Meet in person

Whether you’re asking for more money or shorter hours, always meet with your boss in person. Don’t try to negotiate by email, and definitely don’t do it by text.

By meeting in person, you’re showing your boss you take the conversation seriously. This helps ensure they give proper thought to your request.

Get your facts straight

Before approaching your boss, do some research. For example, if you’re hoping for a pay rise, find out whether your current pay is higher or lower than average. Check out websites like CareersNZ or ask other people working in your trade. This will help you work out what to ask for.

Caroline Harris from ServiceIQ says you should make sure you know what result you want before you meet with your employer.

“Be clear about what you’re trying to achieve when talking with your boss.”

If you know what your goal is, you can then clearly communicate that to your boss.

It’s okay to be nervous

Mahalia O’Conner, 25, was enjoying her job at Autoterminal in Manukau. But with a six-year-old daughter, it was difficult for her to work 7am-5pm like the rest of the team.

“My working hours were a bit long for my daughter. She was going to before-school care at 6am and I was picking her up from after-school care.”

Mahalia didn’t find it easy to ask for shorter hours, but she didn’t let nerves hold her back.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking approaching my boss – but I just had to do it. You can only ask.”

Whether you’re asking for a pay rise or more flexibility, Mahalia says it helps to remember your boss wants you to be happy in your job so you’ll work hard and stay with the company for longer.

“You need a life outside of work. And it goes both ways – you need your job, but you’re an asset to your employer as well.”

Practise

One way to deal with nerves and help you feel prepared is to practise what you’ll say when you meet with your boss, says Caroline.

“Practise before your meeting with a friend or family member. Prepare for the answer to be ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe later’.”

That way, you’ll feel more ready to talk to your boss. There’s no need to memorise a script – just be clear on what your goal is and the points you want to make.

Give a reason

Let your boss know why you want what you’re asking for, like Mahalia.

“I asked my boss whether I could do shorter hours. I just explained the situation and told him it was because of my daughter’s school hours, and he was okay with it.”

If you’re asking for a pay rise, it’s better to talk about what you bring to the job than to point out how expensive your rent is.

For example, if you’ve learned new skills or taken on new responsibilities since you started the job, those are good reasons for your boss to pay you more.

What if they don’t say yes?

As Mahalia found, even if your boss can’t give you everything you ask for, they might meet you in the middle.

“At first I asked if I could work 9am-3pm, and my boss asked if it would be okay for me to start later but still work until 5pm. So it was a bit of a compromise. Now I can drop my daughter off at school in the mornings, which makes a big difference.”

If your boss says ‘no’ to your request, ask if there’s anything you can do to make it possible in the future. For example, if you’re hoping for a pay rise and your boss turns you down, ask if you can take on more responsibility to earn a raise at a later date.

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Bright spark

Father-of-four Andrew Leota always knew his true passion was in the trades. The 34-year-old had dabbled in other jobs while he focused on his kids, who are aged between one and eight. But last year, Andrew decided it was time to find an outlet for the hands-on skills he’s passionate about.

“I thought to myself, I’m not getting any younger. Now I want to do something that makes me happy – and it’s always been electrical.”

Powering up

Andrew, who received a scholarship from Māori and Pasifika Trades Training: Auckland (MPTT Auckland), is due to finish his Level 4 training at Manukau Institute of Technology this month.

Having previously worked as an air traffic controller in Samoa and as a youth worker for the Ministry for Vulnerable Children in New Zealand, Andrew already has years of work experience under his belt.

This has given him a solid foundation of work readiness skills, from time management to teamwork.

Armed with these skills and his new qualification, Andrew is now keen to find his first job in the industry.

Taking charge

Andrew is committed to putting in the hard yards to create a solid foundation for his trades career.

“Some people think once you get a qualification, you have to hit the top and be the boss straight away. But when you’re a new employee, even though you’ve finished school there’s always plenty more learning involved.

“You need to do less attractive jobs and you have to learn from that sort of work. I think people need to understand that, because getting qualified is a lot of work.”

Andrew’s future goals include completing an apprenticeship and eventually starting a business of his own.

“I want to do it properly – get the papers and qualifications and be confident in what I’m doing. Looking towards the future, I want to be my own boss.”

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Trainees rebuild garden after car crash

community project in south auckland
A much-loved community garden that was destroyed by a rogue vehicle has been restored, thanks to a group of MPTT trainees.

RāWiri Community House provides services to the Manurewa community including free drivers licence theory courses, helping people search for jobs and working with homeless people in the area.

Earlier this year, the gardens at the centre were damaged when a car went through the front fence.

Eight MPTT trainees from Manukau Institute of Technology got stuck in to help and made the project their own – with some even making artwork for the fence around the garden.

At MPTT, we encourage all our trainees to get involved with community projects. Not only is it a chance to use their skills – and learn new ones – it adds meaning to their mahi by giving back to the community.

Read more about the RāWiri project on the Stuff website.

Iani Nemani of Competenz
Iani Nemani from Competenz who helped setup this community project

Louisa Wall at Rāwiri Community House
Louisa Wall with Kirk Sargent at Rāwiri Community House

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