BCITO training Maori youth for greater opportunities

A Waikato-based initiative supporting young Māori into the trades is gaining momentum – with more than 100 Waikato Tainui iwi members now working across construction and related sectors 

The Te Waharoa pre-trades programme – developed in partnership by BCITO, Whatukura Ltd and Waikato Tainui – is designed to prepare rangatahi (youth) aged 17–24 for apprenticeships and long-term employment. Originally piloted in Waikato in 2020, the initiative has since expanded into Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Waikato Tainui is a tribal organisation representing 68 marae and over 82,000 tribal members. Its mission is to help its people become financially secure – by supporting rangatahi into meaningful pathways and building a strong future for generations to come.  

Education that means something 

The programme was launched after Waikato Tainui identified a need for more effective employment pathways for its members. Kaaro Iti-Moeke, Career Pathways Manager for Waikato Tainui, said many rangatahi were completing tertiary study without securing work –  often accumulating debt in the process. 

“We saw our iwi members could be spending thousands of dollars on studies and not getting jobs at the end of it,” said Iti-Moeke. “We were keen to work better with the ITOs for the sake of our learners.” 

BCITO was the first to respond, working with Whatukura Ltd to design a tailored training model. The 10-week course combines cultural reconnection, industry immersion, foundational trade skills and pastoral support. Participants begin by exploring their whakapapa and visiting iwi businesses and sites of significance. From there, they move into hands-on learning across a range of trades and complete a paid 90-day work placement with an industry employer. 

The programme also includes short-course training in areas such as first aid, financial literacy, CV writing, communication, Elevated Work Platform operation, and obtaining a driver’s licence. According to Whatukura Ltd director Stu Lawrence, the goal is to prepare learners for the full demands of the modern construction workforce. 

“We want our learners to see themselves not just as what they are, but what we can see them being,” said Lawrence. “It’s about helping them understand their own world as iwi members and supporting them to become confident in the business world as well.” 

Strong outcomes reported 

Employers involved in Te Waharoa report strong outcomes. Downing Construction Ltd has taken on two graduates – Poutama Silva and Hyrum Riwai – who have since become core members of the company’s team. 

“Pou and Hyrum are punctual, honest, hard workers with positive attitudes,” said director Cam Downing. “We’ve been a regular business for Te Waharoa students to visit and, once we employed Pou and Hyrum, the support was still there for them.” 

Learners are referred to the programme through a partnership network that includes the Ministry of Social Development, Waikato Tainui, BCITO and Whatukura Ltd. Each intake is supported by whānau and individual students receive ongoing mentoring throughout their apprenticeship transition. 

The programme has now reached its 14th Waikato cohort. Whatukura Ltd recently delivered a targeted course for a single employer wanting to take on multiple learners – and around 10 companies currently take students on a recurring basis. BCITO is now seeking more employers willing to host trainees and support their progression into apprenticeships. 

Employers interested in participating can contact BCITO at info@bcito.org.nz. Rangatahi affiliated with Waikato Tainui who wish to apply can do so at www.whatukuraltd.co.nz .