July 17, 2014
Infrastructure workers on management road
The latest group to go through special management training programmes for Māori can look forward to higher wages and greater career advancement.
The 34 graduates who come from the infrastructure industry received their certificates last night from Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples.
The Wahine Toa, Tama Toa, and Mana Whakatipu programmes are a partnership between infrastructure industry training organisation Connexis and the Ministry for Maori Development Te Puni Kokiri.
TPK social policy director Patsie Karauria says changes in the age structure of the population mean Maori are becoming a larger percentage of the workforce, and there is a need for more Māori managers and supervisors.
She says the graduates were given projects to do alongside their normal work that helped them study towards a level four certificate in business, which qualifies them for first line management roles.
"Māori with NZQF level 4 and above qualifications are more likely to be employed, earn higher incomes, and live up to 10 years longer, so this programme is dedicated to ensuring a higher qualified Māori workforce that allows Māori the opportunity to be leaders within the industry," she says.
Ms Karauria says the experience of past graduates is the qualification improves their productivity and makes for a happier workplace.
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