Trainees sought to join building boom

More than 900 young Maori and Pasifika are being offered a leg up into a career in the booming Auckland trades industry.

Eligible trainees will have their fees paid and get practical support to find a job in their chosen trade.

Maori and Pasifika Trades Training Auckland is offering more than 900 scholarships to give rangatahi a chance at a career in a booming industry.

Applicants must be aged between 16 and 40 and be of Maori or Pasifika heritage.

Project manager Kirk Sargent says as well as having their fees covered and learning basic trade skills, the trainees get practical help with writing their CV, getting their drivers licence and making sure they have basic safety training.

The organisation also works with industry partners to help them find the right employer and offer a $1000 tools grant once they’re in an apprenticeship.

Auckland trades jobs listed on Trade Me were up 25 percent in the three months before December compared to the same period in 2015, largely due to the city’s housing boom.

Since the scholarships were first offered in 2014 more than 1500 young men and women have taken them up.

Potential scholars can register their interest at www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH KIRK SARGENT

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