What do Puhinui Train Station, Auckland University, Costco in Westgate, and MIT all have in common? MPTT graduates have helped build them as part of the team at D&H Steel.
D&H Steel is New Zealand’s largest fabricator and has a reputation as an industry leader that sets a standard for quality. The company has long prided itself on its commitment to family, equal opportunity and diversity.
D&H Steel first sought a relationship with MPTT six years ago as a partner for its growth plans. Once a small family company, the team is now a ‘big family’ company.
It has over 250 employees, and MPTT people have stuck with them from the moment they joined as trainees. Better yet, there’s room for more!
Steel is a solid career choice
Cameron Rogers is the workshop manager at D&H Steel and says Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) aligns well with their company’s values. He also explained why there is so much opportunity for Māori and Pāsifika in the industry.
“When you work in steel, you’ve got a job for life. Unlike some other types of construction, you’re part of the whole process in steel.
“You may choose to start right back in manufacture, or you can be involved in the fabricating and welding. And that’s just in the workshop. You can also go onsite and work with the cranes to erect buildings.
“On the office side, there’s computer design of the structures. We have machine operators on the floor, right up to supervisory and management roles.
“There’s an opportunity to specialise in the area you most enjoy or to move around and learn all parts of the industry. This is particularly the case in D&H Steel because of our size.
Relationships are built to last
“We’re like a big family. We don’t have an HR department because every supervisor gets to know their team and takes responsibility for them. The relationships we build last generations.
In fact, we actually have quite a few father and son pairs. Three of the first MPTT trainees we met are still working here, along with more we’ve employed over the years.
Right now, there are a bunch of MPTT tradies who are part of our team. They all completed their pre-trades in Mechanical Engineering (or similar) at Unitec. Kathryn Billing has been working in the trade for a year and is now qualified with her welding ticket. Jacob Broad and Junior Faamausilis are both Fabrication apprentices working towards certification through ATNZ. Valusaga Iopu has successfully completed his certification in Fabrication.
Cameron says D&H Steel is particularly good at creating pathways for those who want to learn and achieve their goals through hard work and focus. Importantly, the company aims to take at least four more people into apprenticeships each year.
“Apprentices here are not left to make their way with periodic check-ins. Instead, they get support throughout their hours. They also pick up a number of other industry certifications along the way to their fabrication qualification”.
MPTT is part of the family
MPTT Navigators play a special role at D&H Steel, says Cameron. Tu Nu’ualiti’ia was one of the first navigators we worked with, and he’s continued to do so in his role at Unitec, advocating for Māori and Pasifika Trades Training.
“We’re pleased to count the navigators as part of our family. They’re dedicated to helping MPTT trainees overcome any barriers they might face and things that pop up in life,” says Cameron.
Dean Pouwhare, D&H Steel Operations Manager and Director, likes seeing more Māori and Pasifika enter the industry. He sees MPTT as playing a vital role in this.
“The sector presents a great opportunity and a solid career path. Bringing in new talent through MPTT is helping to futureproof the structural steel industry and build its diversity. And trainees get to work alongside highly skilled people with long experience to share.
The future is strong
D&H Steel’s plant is state of the art. They were first introduced to MPTT by Hawkins with whom they have a long and successful relationship. The company’s focus on innovation and performance sees them working not only with Hawkins but also Naylor Love, Haydn and Rollett, Fletcher and Macrennie Construction on some of New Zealand’s biggest projects and most critical buildings.
The team is currently working on one of New Zealand’s largest warehouses and a significant roof structure, which will cap a film studio. On the shop floor, welders are constructing pieces for an elevated running track that will sweep above a new sportsfield in the city’s heart. They’ve been involved in constructing some of our newest hospitals. You’ve probably even swept over one of their distinctive bridges.
D&H Steel is literally changing the shape of Auckland and its skyline. Years from now, its work will still be lifting our city to new heights. Everyone who is part of the team is truly forging a proud legacy.
Find out more about MPTTs scholarship programme in Mechanical Engineering and where to study.
