Expressway to careers for Kapiti ex-beneficiaries

Dellta steel fixers and labourers, training and working on the new MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway in Kapiti. From left, Damian McGee, Keegan Hargreaves-Raika and Harlem Lyttle. Photo: Mark Coote.

Young Kapiti beneficiaries are gaining jobs and qualifications on the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway project, thanks to a successful employment partnership between project subcontractor Dellta Contractors and WINZ.

So far six young men, considered to have been at risk of becoming long-term beneficiaries, have been employed in steel fixing.

Offering onsite training as well as paid employment, Dellta had placed the men, two from Levin and four from Otaki, alongside experienced workers for one-on-one mentoring.

Dellta business manager Cherie Hammond said the partnership had been a success.

"Steel fixing is a very physical job and, while you don't need high literacy, you do need good numeracy skills and need to be smart to read plans and understand what to do."

WINZ, who provided the trainees with work boots and clothing, assisted by advertising the positions, screening applicants and recommending the best candidates for the training.

"Our work broker Marian Walker knows exactly who we need and she saves us a lot of time in identifying the right candidates for this work.

"All of the candidates have passed the mandatory pre-employment drug test and subsequent in-work tests that are essential to work in our sector."

Mrs Hammond said Delta planned to hire more young beneficiaries for additional work on the Transmission Gully project, as well as in the Wellington region.

She said there was currently a shortage of experienced steel fixers in the Wellington region.

"We've found it is better to train steel fixers ourselves, rather than compete for skilled staff. By training our own staff, we can set our own standards for quality and health and safety, and we know our staff will meet them.

"We have a three-month induction programme and successful candidates start as steel fixing labourers and become experienced steel fixers.

"They also complete first aid training and earn their Site Safe passports."

MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway project manager Alan Orange congratulated Dellta for its commitment to employing local people.

"One of the big benefits of expressway projects is the jobs they create for local people.

"We're thrilled to see a subcontractor on our project making a difference in our community."

Of the six new Dellta employees, one had already been promoted and received a pay rise.