Tag: Apprenticeships

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You gotta do what you’re passionate about

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.”

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Don’t leave it too late like I did

Jaxon Kuvarji had a decade of experience in the automotive trade – but with no qualifications, his career options were limited. After finishing his pre-trades training in 2014 and finding an apprenticeship at Mayne Automotive, he’s now well on his way to his dream career.

Get qualified as soon as possible – that’s Jaxon Kuvarji’s message to those looking to learn a trade.

“Don’t leave it too late like I did. If you’re thinking about doing it, do it. Don’t just sit there thinking, ‘Oh, I should get onto it one day’.”

The 28-year-old, who’s soon to get his automotive qualification, has around 10 years’ experience in the industry. But he says getting that piece of paper to confirm he’s qualified will undoubtedly accelerate his career.

“I’ve got friends who are at the same stage as me now in their career, but they’re six or seven years younger than me. If I’d done my qualification when I was their age, I’d be so much more set,” he says.

“Having a qualification makes it a lot easier to get a job. If you approach a new employer and say, ‘I’m not qualified, but I’ve got 10 years’ experience’, you’re sort of starting from the bottom again. If you’ve got that piece of paper in your hand, it throws you a couple of steps up the ladder.”

Gearing up

Jaxon had always been interested in cars, and as a youngster enjoyed helping his dad do vehicles up to sell them. But he hadn’t seen it as his future career.

He looked into being a pilot and joining the Air Force. When those doors didn’t open, he began working in the automotive industry.

Jaxon, who is of Māori heritage, has now clocked more than a decade of hands-on experience, including more than three years with his current employer, Mayne Automotive.

Getting qualified

Two years ago, with a scholarship from Māori and Pasifika Trades Training, Jaxon began working towards his formal qualification through Manukau Institute of Technology and he’s currently finishing up the required unit standards at Unitec.

He hopes to be qualified by the end of the year, and is looking to follow up with a management course.

“Then I can be the boss man and get off the tools a bit. As a manager, I’d be overseeing the operations in the workshop.”

Eventually, Jaxon wants to open a workshop of his own but for now he’s enjoying learning all he can at Mayne Automotive.

“It’s been really good. They look after me really well and I’ve learned a lot. When I first went there I thought I knew a lot about cars, but it’s opened up a whole new avenue.”

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Door knocking pays off for ex-gym trainer

Jason Lemalu had “grown up bills” to pay and couldn’t afford to have his income drop by going back to study construction. But thanks to some persistence, he secured an apprenticeship where he can learn on the job.

Many tradies start their career with formal training through polytechnic – but that route isn’t for everyone.

Instead of spending a year or two learning the basics of building before looking for employment, Jason Lemalu needed to go straight into an apprenticeship and learn on the job.

The 28-year-old couldn’t afford to have his income drop by going back to study.

“I’d spent about eight years as a personal trainer and I loved it but I no longer saw a future in it for me. I saw multiple opportunities in the building industry and decided that’s what I was going to do,” Jason explains.

“I wanted to do the theory and training but the loss of income was a problem because I’ve got grown-up bills to pay now.”

So he began approaching employers directly to ask for an apprenticeship – a job that includes training towards his building qualification.

He got his foot in the door with a recladding company in Auckland – “just laboring, getting my head around the building industry” – but then moved to New Plymouth when his partner landed her first job out of law school at a New Plymouth firm.

“When I got there, I tidied up my CV, confirmed references then went door knocking to find work,” says Jason.

“I visited offices and rang around everywhere else and got turned down every time. But I persisted and sent them my CV anyway and a couple of the bigger companies got back to me, impressed with my approach.”

One of those bigger companies was Clelands Construction, who last December offered Jason a temporary labouring contract.

“I went and met with a few of the directors the next morning and when I came in later that afternoon to get my contract, they said they had a good feeling about me and they decided to slot me straight into an apprenticeship. I was stoked as! It’s exactly what I was after.”

Getting support

Jason’s apprenticeship is being managed by BCITO and his first year of apprenticeship fees have been covered by a pilot programme managed by MPTT Auckland.  

Kirk Sargent, MPTT Auckland project manager, says the trial programme is now full while trainees like Jason are monitored to see how they benefit from the scheme’s support.

“Jason is part of a pilot programme where trainees can access the same support as our other scholars, including mentoring and a $1000 tools grant, without needing to take time out of employment. It’s an ideal option for trainees who’ve demonstrated they’re ready to start their career directly with an employer, but may need some additional support to be successful.”

Kirk says taking the direct route – skipping a course and going straight into an apprenticeship – is not right for most trainees, but it was the most efficient way for Jason to reach his goals.

Jason, who is Samoan, qualified for the pilot programme because he’d shown he was ready for work but also faced the challenge of changing careers. That meant he’d benefit from the scheme’s extra support.

Trainees are much more likely to succeed if they have support from people who know the industry, says Kirk.

“Starting an apprenticeship has an impact on your work and home life.  Those transitions aren’t always easy. No matter what pathway a trainee takes into the trades, it’s crucial they’re supported to reduce the risks, both for the trainees and for employers.”

Hard work pays off

Now a few months into the job, Jason says he couldn’t be happier.

“I’m loving it. Clelands have got me on one of their biggest jobs and I’m looked after really well. I’m stoked.”

He strongly encourages others looking for a job to get out there and meet potential employers in person.

“Put your hand up and show employers there’s a reason to hire you even if jobs aren’t advertised. Instead of just sending in a CV and joining the long queue of people doing the same thing, go and meet them face-to-face. That’s not easy but they respect it in the end.”

MPTT Auckland hopes the pilot scheme will eventually become a fully-funded programme so more of the right trainees can benefit from its support while continuing to work, says Kirk.

“It provides an alternative, flexible pathway for the right people, reducing risks for employers and trainees. It also supports our goal of delivering a skilled workforce for employers and sustainable careers for trainees.”

Although the pilot programme is full, there are still scholarships available to help you learn a trade for free. If you’re Māori or Pasifika and aged 16-40, find out more here

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Every day is different

Chris Lautua had a stable, well-paid office job – but he wanted to do hands-on, physically active work. He retrained as a sparky and is now well on the way to a career that ticks all the boxes.

As a child, Chris Lautua dreamed of working with technology.

But having been steered towards doing a communications degree by his high school teachers, it wasn’t until last year that the 29-year-old finally made the leap and started training to be an electrician

“The thought of sitting in an office just wasn’t me. I like practical work – being active, moving around, not being in the same place every day. And I always had the picture of being my own boss.”

Chris, whose mother is from Niue and his father from Samoa, signed up to train at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) with a scholarship from Māori and Pasifika Trades Training.

Hands-on experience

His hard work is already paying off. With help from the team at Ara, Chris recently secured an apprenticeship at Dickson Gray Electrical in Auckland while he finishes his study part-time.

The apprenticeship will be 6000 hours, which will take around three years.

Now well on his way to becoming qualified, Chris encourages others to consider learning a trade.

“It can be hard to take that first step, and to take the risk. But if you have even the slightest idea that you might enjoy being in a trade, I’d say do find out a bit more. Ask questions about how it can suit your lifestyle.”

He points out that he was still able to work while studying full-time last year in order to pay his living costs and rent for the flat he shares with friends, because he didn’t have classes every day.

“I know a lot of people who are scared to commit to something full time, but they don’t realise full-time trades study doesn’t take up every day of the week.”

‘There’s no harm in asking’

Chris also recommends looking for work experience while training.

Last year, to give himself the best chance of eventually getting an apprenticeship, Chris found a local electrician who was willing to let him help out with a few jobs.

“If you live in New Zealand it’s quite easy to find someone who knows a tradesperson you can approach – I found one through a friend of a friend.

“There’s no harm in asking; the worst-case scenario is they’re going to say no. But you can be prepared for a no. You just gotta keep asking, and someone will say yes.”

Chris believes having that experience in the field helped him stand out during the job interview process, and he was soon offered his apprenticeship at Dickson Gray Electrical.

“So far it’s been awesome. Every day is different. The only challenge is trying to remember stuff, because it’s different every day. If you learn about something and you don’t do it straight away, you kind of forget.”

Having taken steps to achieve his childhood dream, Chris says he especially loves the problem-solving aspects of the job, and the variety that comes with working in a trade.

“Plus, out of all my friends there was a sparky that was missing – everything else was covered.”

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Desk job to dream job

After years of working at a desk, Fou Fale left his office job to follow his passion and become a chef.

Three years ago, Fou Fale was stuck behind a desk shuffling paperwork at an inner-city telecommunications company.

He’d been in and out of jobs for years, often struggling to pay bills and provide for his wife and three young children.

“I was trying to find that sense of thriving in my life – but I lacked it,” says the 29-year-old Samoan.

His true passion, cooking, had been simmering under the surface for years.

“I’m one of seven siblings and I was always the family cook. Every time we had get-togethers I’d try to make fancy dinners out of corned beef, chicken backs, chop suey and taro!”

Growing confidence

When someone told him about Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), the possibility of training as a chef for free seemed too good to be true.

“I thought it would be awesome because it would take the financial pressure off, not having to pay back a massive student loan. But I didn’t think I was entitled.”

Fou’s wife, Katerina, says her husband faced a major confidence hurdle applying for the course.

“He thought he really was not good enough for it. Like, ‘I’m just a Samoan boy, they’re not going to give me that’.”

Encouraged by his family and pastor, Fou stepped out and applied.

“When I got in I was like ‘Wow, my first scholarship ever!’ It made me feel kind of special,” he recalls.

“I saw it as a sign and thought ‘I’m not going to go half-hearted; I’m going to give it my all’.”

Stepping up

Fou has excelled during his Certificate in Cookery (Level 3 and 4), shining as an inspiring and talented young leader at Manukau Institute of Technology.

In fact, his 30 classmates picked Fou to be their Head Chef for the final semester.

“It’s pretty full-on juggling my training, kids and this new responsibility as Head Chef, but it’s been awesome and I’m looking forward to growing my cooking and leadership skills.”

Living the dream

Fou says MPTT gave him an opportunity to chase something he’s dreamt about for a long time.

Now, as he nears graduation, Fou says his dream is to run his own catering business.

“That’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I needed to get the qualification first.”

He still loves cooking traditional Pacific Island food, but has given his old childhood favourites a new twist.

“I still cook those same things but I’ve modernised them, making the dishes as presentable and healthy as possible. That’s where I’m heading now – making healthy recipes and meals for our people.”

Fou is also driven to help young people in his church.

“Some of those kids have no sense of direction and I tell them there’s help out there that’s free, and there are people who are willing to sacrifice their time to make your future better – not just for you but also for your kids.”

Armed with new skills and new hope for the future, Fou’s vision is to see other young Pasifika and Māori take hold of the opportunities presented by MPTT.

“If we can inspire as many of our Pacific Island and Māori people to take up this programme, that’s my goal. Everyone’s given the same opportunities but it’s up to them to make something out of it.”

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Marine engineer charts a new course with refrigeration

While working as a marine engineer, Lucas realised the lifestyle of living on a ship wasn’t for him. Find out how he launched a new career in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade and found an apprenticeship.

Lucas Rankin always knew he didn’t want to be stuck in an office. But after taking up marine engineering, he soon found himself stuck on a boat.

“I thought I wanted to do marine engineering because it had a lot of variety. But the lifestyle wasn’t for me. You live and work on the ship, so the weekend’s not really a weekend – you’re basically working every day.”

Cool career change

As part of his training in marine engineering, Lucas learned about refrigeration and air conditioning, so he decided to pursue it as a career.

“We did a bit of it on the ship, and I enjoyed it. The gear they have is quite similar to the industrial gear they have on shore.”

After starting his pre-trade Refrigeration and Air Conditioning course at Manukau Institute of Technology, Lucas heard about Maori and Pasifika Trades Training and learned he could have his fees covered by a scholarship.

“That was awesome – I was stoked to find out!”

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Samoa and moved to New Zealand in 2011, now has an apprenticeship at Excel Refrigeration and Air Con Ltd. He works all over Auckland doing the practical work he loves, but with the balance of getting to go home at the end of the day.

“You get to do a lot in this trade. You’ll do welding one day, electrical another day, you even do a bit of plumbing. A lot is involved, which is quite cool.”

Showing initiative

Paddy Durham, a technician at Excel and Chair of the Ammonia Safety Association New Zealand, has been mentoring Lucas for around four months.

He says Lucas is a great worker who shows a lot of initiative.

“He’s a really good apprentice, one of the best I’ve come across. He has a really strong work ethic.

“He’s very intuitive with the whole process. I’ll be thinking about a task and I’ll turn around to find Lucas already handing me the right tool for the job without prompting.

“And if I have to take a phone call and I’m tied up, Lucas will just start cleaning up or keeping himself busy. He’s bloody amazing.”

‘Give it a go’

Lucas says his advice to others considering the trades is to give it a go as soon as possible.

“If you like hands-on work and don’t want to be stuck in an office, try a trade. I knew from a young age I wasn’t going to be in an office for the rest of my life.

“I feel like I should have started learning a trade earlier – like as soon as I got to New Zealand I should have just jumped into refrigeration. But in saying that, I feel like my experience in industrial shipping was really helpful.”

Lucas says he’s loving his apprenticeship and hopes to keep working for Excel after he’s qualified.

He also hopes to inspire other young Pacific Islanders to take up the trade.

“I want people to know that it’s an awesome industry to work in. If you have an interest in engineering, then definitely go for it.”