Building a career down on the marae

HOUSE PROUD: A past crew of Nga Kanohi Marae o Wairarapa trainees during a build at the WelTec School of Construction workshop. PHOTO/ FILE

This year's Nga Kanohi Marae o Wairarapa trades training scheme begins on Monday.

Co-ordinator Charles Morunga said the marae-based scheme would prepare trainees aged 16 and older for a career in the construction industry.

On Monday, they will start a 31-week course of Level 2 study towards a National Certificate in Basic Residential Property Maintenance with Building Construction and Allied Trades Skills.

The NZQA-accredited scheme will cover theory and practical work and trainees will be taught on-site at Te Heru a Rangi Marae in Masterton using a fully equipped carpentry workshop.

Mr Morunga said: "The aim is to help trainees build confidence and have fun in a team environment."

The scheme, launched in 2009, is aimed mostly at at-risk teens.

They are referred through community agencies, marae and schools in the region and some fee-free spaces are available.

Trainees have helped build two three-bedroom homes from scratch - one in 2012 and another the next year - as part of a partnership at the time with the WelTec School of Construction workshop. The homes were sold and moved to sites in Carterton and Martinborough.

Last year, Mr Morunga said the training agency had been looking to consolidate partnerships with Maori health providers Whaiora - and its concept of Whanau Ora - and Te Hauora Runanga o Wairarapa.

"We want to make sure we keep the options open for youth who may have difficulty fitting with mainstream organisations."

- For more information on the trades training scheme call Charles Morunga at Nga Kanohi Marae o Wairarapa on 06 370 2460.