Building a career for themselves

Ten aspiring trade apprentices awarded PlaceMakers’ scholarships 

Ten aspiring builders from across New Zealand have been given the opportunity to build a dynamic future for themselves as part of the 2014 PlaceMakers Apprentice Scholarship Scheme (PASS).

Developed and launched in partnership with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) last year, PASS aims to support the building industry by helping to attract talented young people to a career in the sector.

From Auckland to Gore, the selected apprentices will have their BCITO tuition fees paid by PlaceMakers for the duration of their studies. Each trainee will also receive ongoing mentoring, support and experience at their local PlaceMakers branch.

As New Zealand prepares itself for the largest building boom in 40 years (according to Productivity Partnership’s research), PlaceMakers chief executive Dean Fradgley says it’s an ideal time to get involved in the sector.

“There hasn’t been a better time to start in the building industry in New Zealand for a long while,” said Mr Fradgley. “The Christchurch rebuild is well under way and Auckland is tipped for exponential population growth. As a result, the demand for skilled builders and other dedicated tradespeople is high and will only continue to grow.”

PlaceMakers is proud to help train the country’s next generation of builders and the recipients feel very lucky to have been selected.

PASS recipient Greg Young, who was a chartered accountant in his former life, decided to pursue a new career after taking time off to look after his kids.

“Deciding not to return to the office was a tough decision, but I’d always enjoyed working with my hands and was keen to try something new, so building seemed like the right choice,” he says.

Greg began work as an apprentice in January and, when he discovered the PASS programme the following month, he immediately put in an application. Two months later, he was thrilled to find out he’d been selected.

“With a young family to support, making a fresh start was also a big financial decision, and having PlaceMakers back my apprenticeship is much-appreciated,” says Greg, who is also really looking forward to the mentoring side of the programme.

“I’m working for Maycroft Construction, which does mainly commercial work, and I’m really enjoying it. I haven’t looked longingly at an office once!”

The PlaceMakers Apprentice Scholarship Scheme was open to young people already enrolled in the BCITO National Certificate in Carpentry course or anyone keen to start a career in the building industry.

Applications for the 2015 intake are expected to commence in January next year.