Wāhine Māori and Pasifika are breaking down stereotypes and building futures.
At NZMA, Dalice, Shalei, Mereana and Ngatamaine are women who are stepping up in their steelcaps to learn a trade. They’re backed by a supportive learning environment, inspired by female tutors and passionate about developing their skills. They told us about their experience so far and offered encouragement to other women thinking about the trades.
According to these wāhine, change is coming to the old stereotype that trades are male-dominated.
When Dalice Kareko wondered about learning a trade, one of her first questions to NZMA was whether other women were studying. She was surprised to find out that more than half the class was female. She’s also realised that the work is so varied that it’s easier to hold your own than expected.
“It’s cool to be able to read a plan literally off the wall of the building and interpret it into a real-life project.”
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training.
It’s a profession with potential
Dalice decided to learn construction to set herself up with a profession and options. She said she looked ahead and realised she wanted more from life than turning up for a shift. In particular, she wanted a skill that she could turn into a career.
“I just want to step out beyond the usual jobs and office work to do something outdoorsy.”
Tutor Jasmine Lolo wishes more young women knew how many options there are. “The trades are about so much more than building… you can take almost any path,” she said. Jasmine gave the example of health and safety specialists or site managers – these roles are far different to the ‘hammer and nail’ people might think of.
And the earning potential is attractive too. Mereana Panui saw how much builders were earning and decided that it shouldn’t just be for the boys.
“It looked pretty fun! Right now, I’m just enjoying it, but it’s also about the end game: It’s a good career.”
Gaining skills is satisfying
The wāhine we spoke to all talked about how rewarding it is to learn how to use tools and create things.
Ngatamaine Tipukoroa is studying electrical at NZMA, and it suits her because she likes to work with her hands. “I like to challenge myself, and the challenge is good. Not many people back home in the Islands have the skills to work in electrical, so what I’m learning will mean I can really help. Together we’ll be able to build homes.”
Shalei Seumanutafa gets a kick knowing she can hold her own when it comes to using tools and looks forward to having something to show for a day’s work.
“I love the idea of actually being able to see your work take shape in front of you. I know people in construction who can point out huge apartments and buildings and say, ‘Yeah, I worked on that.’ And I will be able to say that as well!
Shalei is excited about starting her apprenticeship because she knows that it will build her skills and satisfaction further.
“I want to move up. And I just like learning.
“An apprenticeship gives you the chance to work right alongside more experienced workers, get discipline and have the interest of different sites to go to.”
And then there’s the satisfaction of building things rather than buying them. I can build things for my chickens or guinea pigs and fix stuff around the house. And I get the reward of knowing I did that,” said Shalei.
Putting your passion first
Since starting at NZMA, Shalei knows she’s exactly where she wants to be. At high school, she enjoyed building but the classes were full of boys. She ended up switching to sewing. However, after working in an office, she knew her heart was in the trades. Having a bit of life experience made it easier to step into something new.
“I know who I am now, and I feel more comfortable because I know this is what I really want to do.” She advises others to be true to themselves as well.
“I’ve been feeling like I wanted to do trades since school, and now I’m here, and it’s way cooler. So, it’s worth thinking about what makes you happy. Do what you want to do, and not just what others think you should be doing. Follow your gut!”
There’s a sense of support
It’s clear that NZMA has created an environment where women can thrive in their training.
Mereana said, “I wasn’t expecting lots of females to be in my class, but there are heaps. And there are a lot of age groups too.
“We’re working in smaller groups to build our cabins, and I’m the team leader. So, it’s soft skills that we’re building too.”
“I was worried people might treat me differently as a female. I was ready to have to work extra hard to prove myself. But it wasn’t really like that. The tutors are all good and super supportive.”
Dalice said having female tutors makes a big difference. “They get it. And they show that there are real prospects and possibilities.”
It won’t be long before Dalice, Shalei, Mereana and Ngatamaine are out working and inspiring others to do the same. Ngatamaine is already looking forward to a prestigious apprenticeship with Hawkins. She knows getting qualified will set her up for long term success, and she hopes more females will follow.
“As women, we’re proving to everyone that we can make it. So don’t be afraid to put your name down and step up for trades. Follow your heart and keep going.”
