The life of a tradie

TRADE: A group of students visits Maycroft Construction's new Property Brokers building construction site. PHOTO: RENEE CLAYTON

Last Thursday more than 80 Year 11-13 secondary students visited construction sites across the city, in conjunction with the nationwide tour run by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

For the second time running, the tour introduced students to the increasing opportunities available in the building and construction industry.

It allowed them to be up close, seeing the work in detail and were able to speak with employers, helping to carve a path for school leavers.

BCITO's communications advisor Gloria McGuire said the event this time round had a large increase in numbers compared to last year.

"There were more than 1000 children from 127 schools taking part in more than 14 New Zealand cities and towns. The tour was a key part of BCITO's strategy to support the Government's goal of meeting the growing demand for apprentices highlighted in Budget 2016."

It gave students a chance to be able to hear what a day in the life of a tradie was like, while giving them a chance to connect with industry leaders who may be their future employers, she said.

Awatapu students Tanie Mitchell, Izzy Rota-Bond and Jacob Parkinson said they had a great time and took a lot of information on board.

"I learnt joinery was a trade and that a high amount of the local businesses are run by families," said Tanie. "I always wanted to do a trade as I thought it would be cool to work outside.

Izzy said he also had a better understanding on what a trade was about.

"Before I thought building was pretty much an only trade, but now I know there are things like scaffolding involved which looked interesting."

Jacob was also enthusiastic about the experience. "It was great ... I really got a better understanding of the industry and what I may be up against, the attitude that is expected of me and what to expect."

Local schools taking part in the tour included Awatapu, Horowhenua, Longburn Adventist, Manawatu, Queen Elizabeth, Rangitikei, Tararua and Waiopehu Colleges. Dannevirke, Feilding, and Freyberg High Schools also took part.

The various colleges visited the new Property Brokers building construction site, Allied Concrete, Kitchens by Healey, Quality Doors & Stairs and Mitre 10.