New recruits have hit the ground running as part of the latest Nga Kanohi Marae o Wairarapa trades training scheme in Masterton.
Scheme manager Charles Morunga said the 31-week course had been launched this month with 14 trainees aboard, who will complete Level 2 studies towards a National Certificate in Basic Residential Property Maintenance with Building Construction and Allied Trades Skills.
Trainees are mostly aged from 16 to 19. The NZQA-accredited scheme covers 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. The team were working their way through health and safety rules on the worksite and establishing their individual literacy and numeracy skill levels, Mr Morunga said.
Land Based Training was the lead training provider for the scheme this year, he said, and long-time sponsors J R McKenzie Trust and the Masterton District Council were still involved as scheme supporters.
"We certainly have a heavy focus on youth at risk. They're with us for various reasons but a lot has to do with school not fitting their make-up. But they're hands-on kids who love hitting a few nails into a bit of timber and we'll help put theory to the practical and add some process to that now," Mr Morunga said.
