MPTT helps Māori and Pasifika become leaders in the trades industry. As well as paying your course fees, we’ll give you one-on-one mentoring to grow your career, and help you find work in your chosen trade.
If you’re Māori or Pasifika and aged 16-40, you could qualify for our scholarships. Let us know you’re interested by filling out this form, and we’ll be in touch.
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 from Competenz who helped setup this community project Louisa Wall with Kirk Sargent at Rāwiri Community House
A less conventional way to clock up work experience in the trades? Organise a project yourself. Ben Oge, a construction trainee at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, did just that after witnessing the plight of a single-parent family living in a run-down home in Samoa.
It’s been a full-on year for Ben Oge. Not only did he start learning a trade, he also spearheaded an initiative to restore the home of a family in need in Samoa.
The 39-year-old visited the island of Upolu early this year and felt moved to help improve the housing conditions.
“I got back home and thought, let’s stop talking about it, let’s get something happening.”
With help from friends, whānau, and Christian-based fellowship My Friendship House, Ben organised a group of 14 people to renovate and restore the home of a single mother and her four children in Upolu.
“There’s a personal connection. The house used to belong to my grandmother who has since passed on. I thought I could at least do what I can to help out.”
Connecting with the homeland
The initiative, called Stewards of the Homeland, is something Ben wants to see grow. He’s already planning a second project for early 2018.
“I want to strike while the iron’s hot and keep the momentum going. Then the idea is to set up a charity to help other families in need and maybe even link trade apprenticeships to other opportunities around the Pacific.”
At its heart, Stewards of the Homeland is about not only serving families in need, but also linking New Zealand-born Pacific Islanders to their motherland to strengthen their heritage and sense of identity.
“People on our team are still buzzing about it,” says Ben. “Some of them had never been to the islands before. It’s just a hugely rewarding experience.”
“They all wanted to go over and give to others, and what they received in return was far more than they’d expected.”
Taking opportunities
Ben, a New Zealand-born Samoan whose mother is from Samauga, Savai’i and his father from Lepea, Upolu, had spent years working as a designer before deciding to add construction skills to his toolbelt.
“Building’s one of those things I’ve always wanted to try out, and I thought ‘why not?’ – especially with the way construction is booming at the moment. There’s no shortage of opportunities.”
He began training at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in March and is enjoying building his skills.
“It’s been good; there’s lots to learn. I feel much more confident now, knowing what the process is in building a house. There’s been a good balance between the textbook stuff and the practical, hands-on stuff where you actually get on the tools.”
Ben, who still finds time to freelance as a designer, was grateful to get an MPTT scholarship to cover his course fees.
“It was a bit of a no-brainer really – it’s such an awesome opportunity. When I think about the trades, there are so many great opportunities. You’ve just got to grab them with both hands and go for it.”
Moving forward
With much of the first Stewards of the Homeland trip being self-funded by the team, Ben is working on ways to raise money for the group’s next mission.
He’s created a clothing brand called Parcel 59 – named after the plot of land where the first project took place – to help fund the initiative. The proceeds will fund Stewards of the Homeland’s future projects.
Once the dates of the next project have been confirmed, Ben will turn his attention towards promoting the cause.
“I’m just trying to get my head around it again. It’s about trying to balance the project with school, work and other commitments.”
For now, Ben and his team are happy to have achieved their initial goal.
“The idea of Stewards of the Homeland is to offer practical help in one home, one village – until we get to the stage where we can do a lot more,” says Ben. “Everything starts from home.”
Approximately 20 NZMA Construction students were warmly welcomed onto the Marae at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, with a traditional pōwhiri to signal the beginning of a vocational and spiritual journey. Fifteen of the participating students are recipients of the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training: Auckland (MPTT Auckland) scholarships offered by NZMA, who has recently become a member of the MPTT Auckland consortia*.
The students will be working at the marae one day a week, to put into practice the skills they are learning during their Certificate in Building Level 4 programme at NZMA. Students started the 20 week programme on 28 August, which sets them up to enter the construction industry as an apprentice or entry-level employee.
Wyllis Maihi, Chairperson of Komiti Marae Ōrākei Trust says that the building projects that students will be embarking on at the Ōrākei Marae site will provide them with valuable hands-on practical experience, where they will have the opportunity to transform an old villa into a fully functioning multiple learning space, as well as perform reinforcement work on the Wharenui.
NZMA Senior Tutor, Aaron Reid will supervise and keep a watchful eye on the young men and women, alongside Ōrākei marae tradespeople, who will act as mentors to the young tradies for the duration of the joint venture.
It was the first time on a marae for NZMA student Nita Tuiaki, 24. He said, “This is really special, it’s cool and a good experience. I’m looking forward to understanding the Māori culture, and this will be a highlight of my course.”
NZMA staff and students were warmly embraced by the Ngāti Whātua whanau at the marae. Matt Maihi, Ōrākei Marae Manager, explained the significance of the 700 year old site, and how the city grew around it. He also reinforced the respect for the land, water and air, and reminded students to be respectful when handling the materials they would be using.
NZMA Regional Manager, Monique Le Marque said, “We are thrilled to be working with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei iwi. Gaining the hands-on experience in building, which the project offers, is integral to our students educational experience. However, equally important is the spiritual understanding of their connection to the past whether Māori, Pasifika or any other ethnicity! The historical and cultural knowledge which Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will impart to students will serve to enrich their knowledge, and will be a significant factor in these students becoming highly contributing citizens of New Zealand’s future workforce.”
NZMA will be monitoring the progress of the villa, and our next update will be when students are on the Ōrākai marae site, beginning the transformation.
NZMA
We teach real skills for today’s professions. Across seven campuses nationwide we deliver employment-focused vocational training to 3500 students each year in the fields of hospitality, cookery, business, retail, contact centre, trades, sports, early childhood education and health.
Why hire a labourer when you can hire an apprentice? That’s the opinion of Auckland business owner Pat Coll, who’s trained about 180 electrical apprentices since starting Coll Electrical back in 1985.
A win-win
Pat says apprenticeships are a win-win, offering big benefits to both aspiring tradies and employers.
“Taking on apprentices is the right thing to do. It’s better for them, and it’s better for us,” he says.
“You’re giving workers an opportunity to up-skill, which means they can get paid more. A lot of guys who get an apprenticeship find out they’re quite good at it and they get better and better. You see guys grow, and it’s a neat feeling actually”.
“But it’s also good for us. Probably about 80% of our staff are people we’ve trained. A lot of them have gone overseas to travel, and they come back and become part of the management team. Most of our guys have been trained under us. It creates a bit of loyalty”.
Pat says more employers should consider taking on apprentices, rather than just hiring labourers.
“Why have a labourer when you can have an apprentice who’s just going to get better and better?
“To be honest, because of the size we are, it’s easy to train apprentices. It’s nothing major – no more than if we were taking on a labourer, no more than another staff member.”
Pat isn’t alone in finding apprenticeships valuable for business. Recent research by BCITO found for every $1 spent on training, a business will benefit by an average of $4.70 in increased profit for up to 10 years.
Wired for success
Among Coll Electrical’s 65 staff is 21-year-old Ioane McNiell-Temese, who began his apprenticeship in August this year.
Ioane was doing a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory (Level 3) at Manukau Institute of Technology when the opportunity arose to join the workforce.
“Pat gave me a call after seeing a profile that Travis (an MPTT navigator) made of me. He asked me to come in just for a chat, and that chat turned out to be the interview. That’s how I got the job – easy as that.”
Ioane, who is half Samoan and being supported by MPTT Auckland, could see the advantage of landing an apprenticeship.
“I thought it was really important to get qualified. It’s something I’ll have behind me for the rest of my life. What’s three years of training compared to a life of just labouring?
“Maybe in the future I can go to Australia or even start my own business – it opens up more doors than just being a labourer or driving a digger.”
And Ioane is quick to encourage other trainees to take the same path, if they get the chance.
“Get your apprenticeship as soon as you can. If you think you’re ready, even a little bit ready, you’re ready. Go out and do it – it’s much better than sitting in a classroom everyday; you’re making money while you study.”
Hands-on skills
Having previously worked as a chef, Ioane’s also loving the chance to work in a more physical job. “I’m really enjoying the work. It’s a bit different to the old cooking job! It’s more physical than I thought. I’m doing civil work at the moment, so I’ve been putting up street poles for the past month or so. The spade has been my friend.”
As part of his apprenticeship, Ioane will complete his Level 3 and Level 4 while he works. He’s doing his apprenticeship through Skills, and will spend one day in a classroom every fortnight – while still being paid. Pat says he doesn’t mind losing his apprentices when they go off-site to study.
“Skills is very good. They come in and sign the apprentices up, they assign them to which tech they’re going, and we just keep an eye on it. I have apprentices who I don’t have any issues with right through their apprenticeship. They go to tech, we sign off their book, they do their job, we pay them. It’s great – couldn’t be better.”
Looking for an apprentice you can trust? Ask our navigators about finding the right employee who can add value to your business.
A team of volunteers recently travelled to Samoa to help build and improve homes, as part of a Habitat for Humanity project from August 26 to September 2. Included in the team were Tony Laulu, Pacific advisor from Skills, along with MPTT trainees from Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) Paea Vakalahi and Andrew Leota.
Supported by MIT and Skills as well as MPTT, they helped with work including renovations, extensions and cyclone strengthening of existing homes, and building brand new homes. Find out more about the work they did and what they learned about Samoa in Tony’s account of their trip. Looking fresh and clean at the start of work
Hot and humid
Habitat for Humanity New Zealand have a project in Samoa where volunteers are to assist in building and improving homes. The work includes cyclone strengthening existing homes, renovations of homes, extension of homes or building brand new homes.
Paea, Andrew and I were part of a wider group that went up on 26 August until 2nd September. Eight other volunteers from around NZ who were also part of the habitat build joined us. We arrived to a hot humid Samoa and we were treated with top-notch hospitality from the ADRA team who partner with Habitat for Humanity. We used the first weekend to acclimatize and get familiar with our surroundings, our team and understanding our first working week.
Stuck in
The first week we were able to get stuck in with working with the local builders in renovating a home in Lalovaea. It was hot and humid but with a lot of water and determination, we made it through each day. As the week went on the builders became more trusting of us to do more specific projects such as strapping, knocking out windows, fitting new ones, also measuring, and cutting wood. As we finished the first homes and the first week was coming to a close there was a huge sense of achievement from us but also to see the change of the home from beginning to the end was amazing.
We were able to see a side of Samoa not many tourists get to see. The day to day living of a normal Samoan family, their hospitality, the children’s knowledge of service were all experience’s Paea, Andrew and I learnt from. We were all able to have a good weekend with the group travelling to Savaii! You have not been to Samoa if you have not been to Savaii.
Great hospitality and hard but rewarding work
Honing skills
The second week was much of the same but the builds were in new locations. Andrew in this week was able to help more with the wiring of houses and advising families on correct electrical practices. There was an obvious need for his knowledge and expertise and the families we visited all were thankful for his help. He was able to show love and understanding when communicating with the local families and took his time explaining what he knows about certain important electrical procedures. He was very influential amongst the builders and families sharing his knowledge with in the electrical space.
Paea, as student in carpentry was able to get a lot more involved with the tools, cutting and measuring boards for a wall to a house. She was able to work alone in putting up a wall and frame for one of the houses. She really came out of her shell and was able to work collaboratively with the local builders to get things done quicker. She was having trouble with cutting a certain piece of wood one time, did not hesitate to ask for assistance, and quickly learnt to do it correctly. Paea was a great asset for the team.
“Going over to Samoa has changed me, because life isn’t always about money. While I was in Samoa I have learnt so many different things I haven’t learnt and seeing how Samoans work as hard as they do I have realized that life ain’t easy, it’s something that you can’t throw away, it’s a blessing. Being in Samoa has helped me see what I can do for myself and for my future. You just need to accept what you have because at the end of the day you will know that you have regret about what you have done”. Paea Vakalahi
(Left) Andrew and Paea sharing their skills. (Right) A hardworking group
Valuable life lessons
This trip for Andrew, Paea and myself all gave us our own valuable lessons. Not too much about the technical aspects of the trades but more so perspective on life, career and family. The whole habitat for humanity team came together as strangers but left as family. We are already planning a reunion!
Thank you MPTT and Skills for giving us an opportunity to give back to the Samoan people. We could not have done it without your support, belief and trust. May God bless Samoa and all those who endeavor to help build families and communities, one home at a time.
Tony Laulu
Pacific Advisor, The Skills Organisation
Our most recent intake of MPTT trainees from Unitec, MIT and NZMA were welcomed to the whānau at our ‘Whanaungatanga* Days’ in August and September. These events, led by the Industry Training Organisation for each trade, were a good chance for trainees to meet each other and get to know the MPTT team as well.
Trainees from the second semester of 2017 learned about the support and opportunities MPTT can offer on their journey to becoming fully qualified tradespeople and proud members of the community.
The trainees were all presented with their scholarships and listened to speakers talk about work readiness, how to succeed in the industry and the growing demand for women in the trades.
A trainee from MIT said one highlight was the ‘site visit’, where trainees got to experience what it’s like on the job.
“Having a third-year apprentice train the new guy gives me confidence that I have someone who understands where I’ve been.”
* Whanaungtanga means relationship, kinship, a sense of belonging and of connection through shared experiences.
Competenz and MITO Whanaungatanga Day
Wednesday 16 August
Following a welcome and the awarding of scholarships, our trainees went their separate ways. Welding and Fabrication trainees visited Metal Skills in East Tamaki where they got a good insight into what their futures could look like. They were accompanied by MPTT navigators Tu Nu’uali’itia and Travis Fenton from Oceania Careers Academy as well as Reg Currin from Competenz.
Refrigeration and Aircon trainees visited White Refrigeration in Grey Lynn and were accompanied by Rangi Williams from Competenz. Rangi shared some of the trainees feedback:
‘I like the small sized company as it feels closer and the work seems exciting.’
‘This site visit helped me make up my mind that this is what I want to do.’
‘Steve said there are 2 apprenticeships available at the end of the year. This makes me want to work harder for a spot.’
The automotive trainees remained at MIT where they learned about their future as automotive apprentices. MITO’s Brian Messer and Mark Lawrence said they had a lot of great conversations with the trainees.
Welding and Fabrication trainees were pretty impressed with the equipment at Metal Skills.Feels good.A quick demonstration for Welding and Fabrication students. Great to see some wahine coming through.Navigator, Tu listening with a couple of the Welding and Fabrication studentsCollecting some swag – MPTT shirts for all trainees
Skills Whanaungatanga Day
Wednesday 30 August. Electrical, and Plumbing & Gasfitting
Trainees visited Skills at their offices in Highbrook, East Tamaki. They heard from industry speakers including Ruana Letalu from Ara – Auckland Airport Skills and Job Hub and Issac Liava’a, the National Pasifika manager from Skills.
Matt Matamu, an account manager at Skills also spoke to them about what to expect as an apprentice in the Electrical, Plumbing & Gasfitting trades. Tu and Travis, who are MPTT Navigators from OCA introduced themselves to the trainees and spoke about the role of the navigator. Students enjoyed the visit saying that it had a real cultural feel and that it was nice to see lots of brown faces. Thanks MPTT.
It was neat to meet other MPTT students from Electrical & Plumbing, those guys were a crack-up
Electrical and Plumbing Recipients at Skills Whanaungatanga DaySkills gets the thumbs up from Joeli DavisTravis Fenton getting to know the traineesMPTT navigator, Travis Fenton awards Electrical Trainee Taumua Belford his scholarshipMikayla Pinn receives her scholarshipMPTT Manu Whakahaera, Sam Sefuiva congratulates an MIT trainee on his scholarshipMPTT electrical and plumbing trainees for 2017 Semester 2 intakeGirl power. There are 7 females in this intake, all of them studying electrical. Join the movement
What’s in the bag. Finding out about their futures in the tradesElectrical trainees getting to know each otherMIT trainees enjoy some kai
BCITO WHANAUNGATANGA DAY
Wednesday 6 September. Building and Construction
The Great BCITO Bus Tour took Building and Construction trainees out to Hobsonville Point, where they visited a large building site managed by Complete Build. Trainees were accompanied by Hayden Toomer from BCITO as well as Murray Conroy, Shirley Murray and Ana Cullen, the navigators from the Solomon Group.
The bus tour stopped at Sustainable Coastlines where everyone enjoyed kai cooked up by BCITO’s Richard Mason. Comments from some of the students included;
If I had a car, I’d get a job on a site like that, it’s so massive, heaps of work
Gonna tap BCITO for an apprenticeship!
Thanks for the bag BCITO got ya number
Aleni Ropati and Michael Holani on the Great BCITO Bus TourLots of interest from Tauira in the block plans and models of the developmentHayden Toomer BCITO adds his expert advice. Hunia Rangi from Complete Build to the right and navigator Shirley Murray to the leftTwo 19 year olds from Hunterville spoke of their experience as apprenticesThanks to Richard for his tireless efforts for MPTT. Making bacon.Nothing like some kai to put a smile on facesWomen in trades are highly sought after. Heather and Sarah have great prospects ahead of themBuilding and Construction trainees Issac Nye and Mobeen SahebNetworking time. Joe Seumanutafa, Jay Wairepo and Mayor Rubena get to know each otherBCITO Whanaungatanga Group. What a great dayThomas Inamata looking pretty pleased to be awarded his scholarshipMPTT Ambassador, Sam Sefuiva congratulates Joe Seumanutafa on receiving his scholarshipResult for MPTT trainee Whareumu Karaka
Navigator, Shirley Murray shared her comments on the day:
All the speakers were very informative and well worth listening to. Two of the speakers who presented to our tauira were both aged 19yrs and on apprenticeships. They both came from a small place called Hunterville. They went on to describe how it was for them coming to the big city of Auckland, they touched on things like being homesick, and how they overcame it, also fitness and the need for it to be successful on the job, how they were supported on site by the BCITO’s and their mentors.
One of the speakers also spoke about women in the trades. He said that women are a sort after commodity but unfortunately they don’t seem to be coming through fast enough. The percentage of women engaging in construction needs to be encouraged as it has been recognised in the trade that women make excellent Project Managers. This is an area where women excel because of their ability to multi task in the first instance. This work is more strategic than physical and they cope better with paper and planning in general. A very good career prospect for the right women in Hi Vis.
SERVICEIQ WHANAUNGATANGA DAY
Wednesday 23 August. Consumer Services
Consumer Services Trainees and tutors visited the Toi-ohomai Institute of Technology in Rotorua where they stayed at the Marae overnight. They stopped in Hamilton on the way, where the Horticulture students explored the Botanical Gardens. Later, the hospitality students had the opportunity to cook and serve dinner for their group.
Caroline Harris from ServiceIQ accompanied the group along with one of their apprentices who shared their experiences with the trainees. Feedback from the trainees showed they came back inspired and were keen to do it all again:
Awesome, we need more whanaungatanga with other MPTT students
I made new friends, the tutors were great and participated in activities – we want another one of these events
Food was the best – can’t beat home-cooked kai and thanks for the lunch packs
Thank you MPTT you’re the best!
Talofa lava MPTT, can we organise the next whanaungatanga event?
Thanks to all those who gave up their time and resources to help make these days happen.
Waru Pairama started his trades training by enrolling in a construction course. But having already worked in other industries, he quickly realised he was ready for employment in the trades. Here’s how Waru turned his organisational skills and proactive attitude into an apprenticeship, and how he plans to give back to his whānau and community.
For Waru Pairama, becoming a builder is about much more than just earning a living. The 21-year-old apprentice has a vision to make a difference in his community, especially among the youth.
“In the future, I’d like to give back to my iwi and my community. You see a lot of young people now not going down the right track, getting into drugs, gangs, that kind of thing. I’d like to be an example for them, whether it’s going into schools or to a marae. I want to show them what you can achieve by learning a trade,” says Waru.
“I also want to give back to all my whānau that have been involved in my life and show that all the time and support they put into me wasn’t a waste. I’ll make them proud through my mahi.”
Ticking the boxes
Waru, whose iwi includes Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui and Ngāti Whātua, had spent six years in Australia playing rugby league and working odd jobs. He returned home to Aotearoa in late 2016 to be closer to his whānau and focus on his career.
Waru is awarded his MPTT scholarship early in 2017
In February this year he began a Certificate in Construction Trades – Carpentry Level 3 at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), and was awarded an MPTT scholarship. Early on in his course, Waru attended an MPTT event where he found out about the possibility of getting an apprenticeship – a job that includes the training required for a qualification.
By having solid work readiness skills, he managed to land an apprenticeship after just a few months.
“I think it was just, you know, being organised. I had my drivers licence, I had a car, I had good references – my manager and rugby league coach backed me and said I had a good attitude. It was about ticking all the boxes.”
Aiming high
MIT relationship manager Naomi Tito says she wasn’t surprised when Waru quickly found employment.
“He was extremely proactive in moving forward and securing an apprenticeship, and as a result was offered full-time employment with KB Construction. Within a month, the company offered him an apprenticeship.
“What impressed me with Waru is that he knows what his goals are. He is an example for his family and for many of his fellow students.”
Waru is currently focused on getting qualified through his apprenticeship, which is being managed by BCITO and is expected to be completed by 2020.
As well as working on his construction skills, Waru also attends Te Reo classes two nights a week. “I’m enjoying learning, and progressing slowly. It’s about getting back in touch with my Tikanga Māori.”
Hands-on experience
Waru says his upbringing showed him what hard work is all about, and he’s always enjoyed being outdoors.
“Growing up in New Zealand, I was on the marae around my whānau in the kitchen seeing them doing the mahi. That gave me an insight into practical hands-on mahi.
“Now that I’m working in construction, I love it. The senior builders really take the time to sit me down and run me through things. It’s fun being on the tools.”
He says having his fees paid for by MPTT, as well as support with finding employment, has been a huge help.
“It kicked me off really – MPTT was my support base. Naomi has been awesome. She helped me work out what direction I wanted to go to in terms of learning a trade. I didn’t really know what I needed to do, or what would put me in the best position to get the opportunity.”
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, Jerome made contacts in the construction industry and found an apprenticeship. His hard work is paying off. Last year, Jerome was awarded the Carpentry Student of the Year award and is well on his way to being qualified.
“It’s a snowball effect – once you’re in a good place where you’re showing up to work every day, it boosts your confidence.”
Jerome Ramsay has made some big life changes to build his future in the trades. He shares his story in this video.
Video Transcript: Jerome: I was labouring here and there and I never really thought about getting a qualification under my belt. I decided if I really wanted to make it in life, there were a few bad habits I had to kick. A few skills I had to learn.
A key moment was enrolling in Unitec, I didn’t know what was in store for me. It was a wonderful experience for me. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I got the 2016 Carpentry Student of the Year Award, which was a big honour for me, I worked hard for it. I turned up on site early, always packing up gear.
They gave us a directional pathway and did a lot of networking for me, I got to meet a lot of good contacts in the construction industry. In terms of employment it gave me a really good head start.
I’m a registered apprentice, so I am getting my practical out of the way. I hopefully will be qualified within a couple of years. I work for Ingrown Construction, a small company but they are very thorough. Rick is a good fellow, he likes his work done fast and proper.
Rick (Employer): I think the first day I met him (Jerome), I said, “We start at 7am.” He said, “That’s brilliant, I’ll beat you hear every day”.
Its good. Jerome’s keen to learn, keen to know, that’s all you need really, the want, the drive.
Jerome: In terms of employment, (you need) the right attitude when approaching work. Things like work readiness, they’re just small but necessary steps.
You have to be drug-free. You can’t turn up to site hungover from the night before, it’s not a very professional outlook. You know you have to be functional onsite.
It’s like a snow-ball effect. Once you’re in a good place where you’re showing up to work every day, it boosts your confidence and you really want to get stuck in and become more dedicated than you were before.
Unitec and Māori and Pasifika Trades Training provided me the skills and resources for me to achieve throughout my academic studies.
You’ve got to want it, that’s the only way to succeed, you either want it or you don’t.
I’m out there every day, doing what I do.
Sarah Peraua had never thought about becoming a builder – until she watched The Block on TV. Inspired to start a new career, Sarah is now using her skills to give back to her family and community.
“I wasn’t really into woodwork at school and I didn’t find it interesting. I was more into sewing,” she says.
That all changed one evening back in 2014 when Sarah, who was out of work at the time, happened to watch The Block on television.
“As soon as I saw The Block, I thought, ‘That looks cool!’ I was really interested in seeing how everything is built, how a house comes together.”
Getting started
Sarah, a Cook Islander, looked into doing a carpentry course and heard about the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training scholarships.
“I was so happy when I got one. It gave me that extra push to make sure I finish the course. Because I’m on a scholarship I don’t want to waste that money.”
“It’s been challenging and a bit hectic at times. Learning to use powertools has also been quite difficult for me.”
Family first
Pushing her forward all the time is Sarah’s desire to provide her son Ronny, aged 5, with a stable future.
“I’m pretty driven to be a role model for my son. I’m going to have early mornings and late nights, but in the end it’ll all be worth it.”
Although her parents were a bit skeptical about their daughter entering a male-dominated industry, the difference in Sarah’s confidence and mood has been obvious.
“She seems to be a lot happier now. It’s a big change really,” says dad, Ora.
Looking ahead
Sarah also dreams of using her trade to benefit others in the future. She was part of a team of trainees that volunteered their time and skills to build a retaining wall at Onehunga Primary School last October.
“It’s really nice helping others,” she says.
Fired up to work in Auckland’s booming construction sector, Sarah is now waiting to be offered a three-year apprenticeship through BCITO.
“My goal is to be a qualified builder within the next five years or so.”
And does she dream of building her own house, like on The Block?
“Probably in the next 30 years, once I’ve gained enough experience!” she says.
Ngapo Wehi knew he didn’t want to be stuck in an office, so he decided to learn a trade. He’s now doing practical work he loves – and encouraging others to do the same.
Ngapo Wehi has never been an inside person, so when most of his mates headed to university, he decided to try a trade instead.
“At first I was going to go to university too and study sport and recreation. But I knew studying indoors wasn’t for me. Some of my other mates were doing building, so I thought I’d give it a go.”
Paying it forward
Ngapo, whose iwi includes Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Apanui and Te Whakatōhea, studied building at Unitec and had his fees paid through a scholarship from Māori and Pasifika Trades Training.
He’s now two years into an apprenticeship with Constructa Built Ltd and enjoys his work so much that he tells other young people to consider a similar path.
“I’ve been encouraging a lot of my younger cousins, and even my friends’ younger siblings, to do a trade. It’s sort of like you’re studying for a degree but you can work at the same time – that’s what I like. You don’t have a $30,000 student loan to pay off at the end of it,” he says.
“It’s pretty cool to do something I enjoy and get paid at the same time.”
Future focused
Once he’s qualified, the 22-year-old plans to keep working for his current employer for a few years, to make sure he’s got a solid grounding in his trade.
“Then I want to start a business and go out on my own. Ever since I started working, the other guys were telling me that’s the way to go. Not only can you earn good money, it’s a good challenge for yourself.”
Ngapo, who lives with his partner and their six-month-old son, says it’s important to find work you enjoy because you’ll spend a lot of time doing it.
“You gotta be doing what you’re passionate about, and be in something you can see yourself doing every day. If you’re really passionate about being outside and seeing something through from start to finish, it’s awesome being in the trades.”
As a young woman, Kelsie McKenna faced doubts – from herself and others – when her passion for timber led her to train as a carpenter. But despite concerns about how she’d fit into the male-dominated sector, she soon discovered a “really positive atmosphere”, great workmates and hands-on work she loves.
When Kelsie McKenna decided to become a builder, there were plenty of naysayers.
“It was hard because everyone around me was saying ‘Are you sure this is what you want to do? Have you thought it through?’”
Breaking stereotypes
Being a young woman meant Kelsie faced a lot of doubts – from inside and outside – about her ability to foot it in the male-dominated trades sector. Was she strong enough? How would the men treat her?
“Those negative thoughts got to me for a while but I decided to put them aside and go for it because you only live once.”
Now more than half-way through her Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), Kelsie wonders what all the fuss was about.
“I haven’t come across any problems at all. It’s a really positive atmosphere. The guys I work with treat me the same as all the other guys and that’s what I want. Just because I’m a female doesn’t make me special or anything.”
Kelsie, aged 19, strongly believes more women should consider a career in New Zealand’s booming trades sector.
“I think the trades is for everyone. Women can do it. I really didn’t think I could do this but I’m doing it today and I love it. I know some women think strength is an issue but you can build your strength up on the job.”
“I just had a passion for timber. Me and my dad have done a lot of ‘wooding’, where we go out into the forest and cut up timber and take it for firewood. I’ve always found that fun. And just doing little projects with my dad around the house, like building fences.”
Having now spent a bit of time on building sites – for example, helping build the Waiheke Sculpture Trail – Kelsie has discovered other benefits of the work.
“I love working outside and I just love working around the people in this trade, like the plumbers, electricians, and the builders. Also, I love using powertools.”
Laying the foundations
Before starting her carpentry training at Unitec in July 2016, Kelsie was living in Dunedin trying her hand at various jobs.
“I worked in a few areas like travel and tourism, then applied for the carpentry course up in Auckland thinking ‘I probably won’t get in’,” she says.
“I just had to give it a go, otherwise I’d still be in Dunedin doing what I was doing beforehand and that was boring.”
Being Māori and Samoan, Kelsie heard she might qualify for a scholarship from MPTT Auckland.
“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 with this certificate.”
Kelsie is due to finish her Level 4 Certificate in June this year.
“After that, I want to be doing my apprenticeship. That’s the next thing. Finding an employer who will take me on.”
Pau Tato put his dream of being a builder on hold for 20 years to support his family. Now he’s well on his way to being qualified, and has recently helped build homes for low-income families in Fiji.
From the day he left school, Pau Tato knew he wanted to be a builder.
But he put that dream on hold for nearly 20 years to support his family – first his parents, then his own children – by doing everything from selling beds to packaging raw chicken.
“I’ve always wanted to be a builder but I hadn’t taken the leap because if I went to study, I wouldn’t have been able to provide for my family.”
Pau finally saw his chance last year after leaving his joinery job in Brisbane, where he’d been living for 11 years.
“The building industry went though a recession and that made me look at coming home to get qualified,” he says.
“It’s been awesome. I’ve only got one more paper to do. My tutors have been amazing.
“I work on my days off and there are things we’re doing on site that I don’t understand but when I come to school the tutors explain it.”
Pau’s wife Nicky has a good career at Auckland Council so could help support the family, but he still wasn’t sure how he’d pay the course fees – until he learned about the MPTT Aucklandscholarship.
“I really wanted the scholarship because I knew I couldn’t afford the course without it. My wife works but we wouldn’t be able to live on one income with four kids.”
Pau applied for the scholarship but didn’t expect to get it.
“When I got the letter, I was over the moon. I was thrilled. I was like, ‘That’s one less debt I have to worry about’.”
Family time
Apart from a love of building, Pau also wanted a formal tertiary education to set an example to his four children, aged between 3 and 12.
“I always used to tell my kids ‘education, education, education’. I thought if I could go back to school it would help me set the example.”
“My wife Nicky played a big part in the decision too. She was the one driving it, telling me, ‘Go back to school and do what you want’.”
Opportunity knocks
Pau got another surprise this year when he was accepted to join a team of MPTT Auckland trainees who volunteered to build cyclone-resistant homes in Fiji.
Devastated by Cyclone Winston earlier this year, many parts of Fiji are still in ruin. The MPTT team partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for two low-income families in a village near Nadi.
“When I heard about the trip I thought I had no chance. To get that letter, I was grateful and humbled,” he says.
“I’m really grateful to Marin Construction, who sponsored me to come on this trip. I’d really like to thank them for allowing me to have this experience of a lifetime.”
It’s Pau’s first time in Fiji, and he says it’s given him the chance to make some good friends from different trades.
“I’m here to do a job though,” he says.
Next year, he’ll begin an apprenticeship and a Diploma in Carpentry.
“I’m really enjoying this journey in the building industry. I’m going to chase the papers because I’m 35 and not planning to stay on the hammer too long. If I carry on with the diploma, I can maybe become a site manager one day.”
It may have taken nearly two decades, but Pau is finally living his dream.
