Building for the future

Ten PlaceMakers apprentices awarded scholarships to help them get ahead

Ten aspiring builders from across New Zealand have been given the opportunity to build a future for themselves, as part of the 2015 PlaceMakers Apprentice Scholarship Scheme (P.A.S.S.).

PlaceMakers developed the programme three years ago, in partnership with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). Its aim is to support the building industry by helping talented young people build a career in the sector.

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

PlaceMakers chief executive Dean Fradgley says now is a great time for apprentices to enter the industry, with a skilled labour shortage across New Zealand.

“There hasn’t been a better time to start in the building industry in New Zealand for a long while,” says Mr Fradgley. “There’s a housing shortage in Auckland and there’s steady work in the regions. As a result, the demand for skilled builders and other dedicated tradespeople is high and will only continue to grow.”

PlaceMakers is proud to be a part of training the country’s next generation of builders.

Originally from Dunedin, P.A.S.S. Scholarship recipient David Pont inherited the building bug from his father, who was a builder for his whole working life before retiring. David says he worked in hospitality and catering jobs after leaving high school, before moving to Nelson to start an apprenticeship.

“I was looking around for a job that I really loved, and I’ve found it!” says the 22-year-old. “I really enjoy that we’re working on buildings that will be around for a long time that people get to see and use.”

David says he’s looking forward to working with his mentor and adding to his skill base. Once qualified, he says he’d like to stay with his current boss for a couple of years, to give back to the company.

“He really encouraged me towards applying for this scholarship, so I’d like to continue helping him out before going out on my own,” he says. “I’d quite like to travel as well; building’s a great trade to have, I can go anywhere in the world and apply my skills.”

Matamata’s Luke Smith got his first taste of building when he moved to Pauanui to help his grandfather build the family’s beach home.

 

“PlaceMakers is proud to be a part of training the country’s next generation
of builders

 

“I’d mucked about with a couple of university papers, and then had the opportunity to help him out,” says Luke. “I really loved the lifestyle and started labouring with a builder up here, who later offered me an apprenticeship; I’ve just gone from there.”

The 21-year-old says he enjoys learning something new every day, which is why he’s excited to receive the scholarship.

“I’ve been told I’ll get to go out to factories and see how different building materials are made. I’m looking forward to that, because I think it will help with understanding the process behind working with different materials and why, from start to finish, you need to do it right.”

He says his plan is to gain as much experience as possible in the next five years, before making any big plans for the future.