Rotorua rangatahi making their mark on the worksite

Kaupapa Māori Youth Charity and Community Business

Korbyn Kiore and Kayden Andersen are prime examples of rangatahi thriving when given the right training, resources and support before entering the workforce.

Both young men leapt at the opportunity to join a 12-week Māori Trade Training Course run by WACT Innovation Hub, knowing it would help prepare them for the workforce.

“I was working in hospitality, but it wasn’t what I wanted to be doing long-term. Without the course, I wasn’t sure where to start with getting into a trade, but I knew that’s what I wanted to be doing,” Korbyn says.

WACT Innovation Hub runs a range of free youth training programmes, aimed at helping rangatahi into the workforce, one of these specifically aimed at trades, in partnership with Vertical Horizons.

During the 12-week programme, WACT Innovation Hub provides in-person sessions that cover budgeting, help with interview techniques, CV and cover letter writing workshops, work ethic/work readiness and employability skills, tikanga Māori concepts and general support extending 12-months after graduation.

Vertical Horizons breaks up the workshop sessions with practical courses, including Forklift, first aid, manual handling, site safety, working at heights and more.

A recent partnership between WACT and local construction company, McMillan and Lockwood, has made the course even more valuable, giving rangatahi the opportunity to complete a two-week placement on a worksite after graduation.

Korbyn and Kayden recently completed their two-week placement, making their mark and quickly impressing the right people with their commitment, good attitude and willingness to learn.

Now, they’ve both been given the opportunity to stay on and test out some of the other trades working on the same site.

Gloria Newton, Employment Navigator at WACT Innovation Hub, says it has been awesome to see their progression from day one of the course, to now on the worksite.

“We couldn’t be prouder of these boys, they’ve shown confidence, dedication and, above all, a willingness and strong desire to learn.”

“When we see rangatahi thrive, like Korbyn and Kayden, it’s all worth it and I quickly remember exactly why we do what we do,” Gloria says.

McMillan and Lockwood, are currently building a replacement mental health facility at Rotorua Hospital.

Keith Nightingale, General Manager at McMillan and Lockwood, says part of their agreement with Health New Zealand was to give back to the community and support local people with apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

“The work that WACT does here in Rotorua is amazing, and we are proud to be partnering with them to help rangatahi with the experience and opportunities they need to get their foot in the door.

“We’ve been impressed by Korbyn and Kayden’s work ethic and punctuality, I’ve only heard good things about the time they’ve spent on-site,” Keith says.

Kayden says the course has improved his confidence in so many ways.

“During the course, we’ve gained lots of practical tickets for forklift driving, first aid and working at heights, but I’ve also learnt a lot about communication and work ethic which has improved my confidence and helped me feel prepared for mahi.”

Korbyn says he is excited to keep learning and figure out what trade he wants to pursue.

“I’m so glad I did the course with WACT, and I’d recommend it to anyone feeling a bit lost or like they need some extra support. I wanted to make a change, so I put my hand up and my head down, and now it’s already paying off.”

Find out more about WACT Innovation Hub and the training programmes they offer here.