24th November, 2015

Connecting generations of Māori trades trainees

Experienced Māori and Pasifika tradespeople in Auckland are being asked to help the next generation of tradies get a start in the industry.

Their first opportunity will come next week, when past and present trades trainees gather for a special networking event at Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Hundreds of young Māori and Pasifika are currently learning to build homes, install gas appliances and service engines under the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scheme (MPTT Auckland).

Kirk Sargent, MPTT Auckland Project Manager, says many of these trainees are now emerging from their pre-trades programmes and heading into apprenticeships and employment.

“As our students finish their training, we want to give them every opportunity to succeed by connecting them with Māori and Pasifika already working in the industry,” he explains.

“When you’re starting out in a career, being able to meet and talk with people who have been there before is a huge help.”

Between 1959 and the mid-1980s, thousands of Māori gained their trade qualifications under the highly successful Māori Affairs Trade Training Scheme.

“Many of these people continued on to lead successful careers in construction, infrastructure and many other areas of the trades sector,” Sargent says.

“We’re hoping they will now come forward to stand alongside or support our present-day trainees. Some may even be able to offer work experience or employment opportunities.”

Former Māori Affairs trainees now working in Auckland are being invited to join a new community called MPTT Auckland Alumni.

“This is a chance to acknowledge the whakapapa of Māori Affairs Trades Training while at the same time introduce new opportunities to young Māori and Pasifika looking to enter a career in the trades,” Sargent “By establishing a formal network, we hope to increase services and support to individual MPTT alumni, provide professional networking and connections, and develop a strong sense of community between former trainees, staff and employers.”

MPTT Auckland Alumni will be formally established during a cocktail evening at Auckland War Memorial Museum next Tuesday, December 1.

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