April 04, 2013
Places free in Māori trades course
Te Rūnanga ō Ngāi Tahu, Canterbury Polytechnic Institute of Technology, and Hawkins Construction are looking for another 80 people to train up for the Christchurch rebuild.
The polytech is holding a Māori trades open evening tonight to show Māori the skills they can learn under the He Toki ki Te Rika trades training programme.
He Toki patron Sir Mark Solomon says billions of dollars will be spent on the rebuild and Māori need to be part of the group who benefit.
A $1million boost from government late last year means scholarships are available that provide full fee support, help with work placement, a $1000 apprenticeship grant and dedicated resource to continue the development of students after they finish training.
More than 150 Māori have completed the course since it started in June 2010, with 89 of those students now employed and most of the remainder in further training.
He Toki courses are 12 to 20 week pre-trade programmes in carpentry, painting and decorating, plasterboard, plumbing and drain laying.
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