Determination Key to Success for WelTec Grad

Determination Key to Success for WelTec Grad

Jade McMahon, recent graduate from WelTec says determination is the key to academic success and getting ahead in life. And Jade’s leading by example having secured a great job with a bright future.

Jade, whose Iwi affiliation is Te Āti Awa, is pursuing her goals and she says the support of a Maori Trades Training Scholarship has had a big impact on her success. The scholarship covered her tuition fees while she was completing a painting and decorating pre-trade qualification and included a tools grant.

“It really matters having a qualification. It’s the first question employers ask you – whether you’ve got any qualifications. It’s much easier to get a job especially a good job if you do and of course you get a better rate!” says Jade.

“My family is proud of me and what I’ve achieved. My sister, her husband and my partner came to my graduation. It was a proud moment for my family. I’m a determined sort of person and that’s the key to success,” says Jade.

With her new credentials in hand Jade accepted a job with SR Decorating and now she is completing her apprenticeship with a goal to become a professional painter and decorator.
“This is a great job for women. There’s a lot of detailed work requiring a good eye. Sure there’s lifting especially moving furniture out of the way, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” says Jade.

“The Maori Trades Training scholarship was a huge help. As a young parent I was hesitant to enrol on a training programme as I didn’t want a student loan. Having the scholarship enabled me to complete a full year of academic study. Having your academic fees paid is a huge weight off your shoulders, it really makes it easier. When I signed up for an apprenticeship I received a grant towards my tools which is also helpful.

“I’m thankful I was granted a scholarship. The Tamaiti Whangai team (Maori mentoring staff at WelTec) were really supportive – they made applying for the scholarship easier and gave me the confidence to go for it.”

Steve Reynolds, Jade’s employer, has been managing and running SR Decorating for eight years. With a staff of three, Steve is committed to investing in a trained workforce. Jade and another staff member are completing their apprenticeship, and the other employee is already qualified. While the business is based in the Hutt Valley the company works all over the Wellington region and beyond. Recently Jade and Steve worked on a property in Taupo. The SR Decorating team also painted the historic Thistle Inn on Mulgrave Street.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Jade. She’s strong-minded and is very motivated to succeed – probably more so as she has a young family. Jade has a busy life and we want to support her to do well in her painting and decorating career,” says boss Steve Reynolds.

As for the next step Jade says she wants to carry on working for SR Decorating gaining more experience and to finish her apprenticeship - goals she’ll no doubt achieve.

ENDS

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