ATT opens Hamilton office

ATT opens Hamilton office to Support its Employee Apprentices in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty's Buoyant Building Sector

The Waikato and Bay of Plenty’s buoyant building sector has encouraged ATT to open its first Hamilton office that supports its 60 apprentices working in ‘host’ businesses in those regions.

ATT’s regional manager Megan Peterken says, “With the rise in building consents and the buoyancy of the market, the opening of the Hamilton office at 1 Victoria Street is well-timed. Although ATT has had a presence in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty for some time, the opening of this bricks-and-mortar office really cements ATT’s commitment to the region. We have also recently employed a new area manager, Brett Jowsey, who is working closely with our apprentices out in the field.”

Statistics New Zealand recently reported a 31% increase in new dwelling consents in the Waikato for the year ended 30 September 2016. In the Bay of Plenty the figure was even higher with a 50% rise in new dwelling consents over the same period. The national figure showed an increase of 14% with 29,935 new consents granted for the 30 September 2016 year.

“ATT’s 60 apprentices in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions work in the plumbing, drainlaying, gasfitting and electrical trades. These apprentices work for ‘host’ businesses that are, in effect, ATT’s customers. These host businesses train the apprentices and monitor their progress; ATT liaises closely with both the apprentices and their host businesses throughout the apprenticeship.

“As you can see from Statistics New Zealand’s data, there’s a flow-on effect in the need for labour in the building sector. We’re keen to increase the number of apprentices working for ATT. The plan is to double the number, up to 120 apprentices, in the next two years in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. We know they’d be scooped up straight away by the sector,” says Ms Peterken.

ATT’s criteria for apprentices is strict, adds Ms Peterken. “Each apprentice must pass a drug and alcohol test, have a minimum of NCEA Level 1, pass a numeracy and literacy assessment, and have a full drivers licence – or as close to a full licence as possible. As well, host business need to have apprentices who show a strong work ethic and have a genuine interest in their trade.

“Looking ahead, ATT is keen to see more women, and also more Māori and Pasifika young people, training as apprentices. To promote the benefits of getting a trade, ATT works closely with the polytech pre-trade training scheme and the high school Gateway programme. As well, our graduate apprentices are excellent advocates for ATT’s apprenticeship programme.”

ATT’s CEO, Gray Paterson says the board is very pleased to see the establishment of its Hamilton office. “Opening these Hamilton premises is the icing on the cake for ATT this year as we celebrate our 25th birthday. The Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions are experiencing significant growth and ATT is keen to help train more apprentices for the building sector. By the end of December, ATT expects to have a total of 355 apprentices working in the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and electrical trades throughout the country. ATT plans on employing 430 apprentices by the end of 2017.”

ATT recruits, employs and places apprentices into ‘host’ businesses in the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and electrical trades. 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.

© Scoop Media