Yes. We have contacts throughout the trades industry, so we can help you find the right job for you. If you’re looking for work, talk to your MPTT Navigator or the Industry Training Organisation for your trade. Check out the Jobs board on the home page of our website.
Category: Finding a job
Do I need a driver licence to work in the trades?
Yes, a driver licence is crucial in the trades. Your boss might ask you to pick up supplies for a job, or you may need to travel between different work sites during the day.
If you don’t have your licence yet, it’s the number one thing you can do while you’re training to help you get a job later. When you’re just starting out, a restricted licence is fine for many jobs. If you already have your restricted licence, getting your full licence will make you even more valuable to an employer. Find out more about how to get your driver licence.
Do I need a CV and cover letter to apply for a job in the trades?
Having a good CV can help you get a job in the trades. Your employer’s first impression of you isn’t usually face-to-face – they’ll read your job application first. So if your CV isn’t up to scratch, you’re much less likely to score an interview. Find out how to write your CV and cover letter, or ask your MPTT Navigator for help.
What’s a Site Safe card and do I need one?
An important part of learning your trade is knowing how to stay safe on the job. To show you can work safely on-site, you’ll need what’s called a Site Safe card. Most employers require you to get this card before you start work.
To get your card, you’ll need to complete a short course. These are offered by your course provider during the year. The information you’ll learn depends on your trade, so your Site Safe course will be tailored to what you’ll come across on the job.
Your tutor will know the date of your course, so make sure that you attend. If you missed out, your MPTT Navigator can help you find the right course for you and sort out when and where the next course is happening.
Will I be tested for drugs and alcohol when applying for a trades job?
Most employers will test you for drugs and alcohol as part of their site safety practices. You’ll need to be able to pass these tests when you’re looking for a job, plus any ongoing tests that your employer might do.
But it’s not just about getting a job. It’s about staying safe on-site and being at the top of your game. Find out more about how staying sober at work will help you dominate in your trade – plus what to do if you’ve taken drugs in the past, and where to get help if you need it.
What do employers look for in an employee?
Practical skills are important, but you can learn them on the job. When you’re starting out, most employers will be more interested in your attitude than your practical ability. Here are some ways to show you’ve got a good attitude:
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It shows you’re keen to learn.
- Show up for work on time each day. If you can’t (like if you’re sick), let your boss know as soon as you can.
- Show initiative. For example, start cleaning up after you’ve finished a job rather than waiting for your boss to ask you to do it.
- Ask your boss for advice on how you can achieve your career goals, like asking them how you can eventually become a foreman. This shows your ambition and enthusiasm for your trade.
What is an employment trial?
An employer with 19 or fewer employees can use a trial period for up to 90 days, as long as this is agreed in the written employment agreement before the employee starts work. This means both you and your new boss can get to know each other before committing to a long-term working relationship.
During a trial period, you’ll work and get paid as normal and you should be treated the same as any other employee. But if for some reason it doesn’t work out, you or the employer can end the relationship more easily than if you were already a permanent member of staff. You can find out more about how trial periods work on the employment.govt.nz website.
Do I need to buy tools before I apply for a job?
You shouldn’t hold back on applying for a job just because you don’t have the tools yet. When you’re starting out, your employer will usually have the basic tools you need.
As an MPTT trainee, you might be able to get free tools as part of your scholarship. This depends on your individual needs, so ask your MPTT Navigator if you’re able to get financial help to buy tools.