29 Trades Apprentices Graduate in Auckland

29 Trades Apprentices Graduate in Auckland

ATT (Apprenticeship Training Trust) has record numbers of apprentices this year

Twenty-nine (29) trades apprentices from the Auckland region celebrated their graduation, and prize winning, from the Apprenticeship Training Trust’s (ATT) training scheme at a ceremony in South Auckland on Wednesday evening, 24 August. The graduating apprentices trained in the plumbing and gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing trades. As well, an additional 15 young people from the region received prizes for excellence and progress as they work their way through their apprenticeships. A second graduation and prize winners’ ceremony will be held in Christchurch on Wednesday, 14 September.

ATT’s CEO, Gray Paterson says, ”We are thrilled to see these young people achieve their goals and complete their apprenticeships. It’s not been straightforward for many as some have had challenging situations to deal with. But it shows that if you’re determined and apply yourself, you can succeed. We are so proud of ATT’s 2016 graduates and prize winners.

“With this week being ‘Get a Trade Week’, ATT is very pleased to support this initiative that will raise awareness of the benefits of on-the-job training and the outstanding career opportunities available for apprentices.”

“2016 has been a stellar year for ATT as we celebrate our 25th birthday. We now have a record 310 apprentices working in the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing trades. Earlier this year, ATT established an electrical division and we now have an additional 25 apprentices on board in that division.”

Mr Paterson says that ATT is forecasting to have 100 electrical apprentices and 375 plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and roofing apprentices by the end of the 2017 financial year. Ultimately ATT sees itself building a base to train 1,000 apprentices.

“There is a critical shortage of apprentices in New Zealand. Apprentices are sorely needed in New Zealand’s building sector to not only address the current critical shortage, but also to service the continued strong demand for housing. Whilst a significant number of ATT’s apprentices are based here in the Auckland region, we are seeing excellent growth in the Waikato and Wellington regions, and from our strong presence in Christchurch which is our South Island base,” says Mr Paterson.

Mr Paterson says the outlook for trades in New Zealand is very positive. “With the continued strong growth in the construction sector, ATT is well-positioned to work alongside industry groups firstly to attract young men and women to trades, and secondly to train and mentor the apprentices well so they make good employees, and ultimately establish their own business and host their own apprentices.

“Looking ahead, we would like to see more women taking up apprenticeships. This year we have three women apprentices and we’re keen to attract more females. As well, we are keen to see more Māori and Pasifika young people training as apprentices. We’re working closely with schools to promote the benefits of a getting a trade,” adds Mr Paterson.

ATT recruits, employs and places apprentices into ‘host’ businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting drainlaying, roofing and electrical trades. It currently has 335 apprentices working throughout New Zealand. ATT operates from four locations – Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch; its head office is in Highbrook in South Auckland. Established in 1991, this year ATT celebrates its 25th anniversary. For more information about ATT, click here.

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