In a report to the council's infrastructure committee, MDC's David Hopman said the project's focus was on local recruitment.
"We provided employment during an uncertain Covid‐19 period and successfully placed workers into roles where they may not have found work.
"In addition to providing employment, we have delivered formally recognised skills, education, and training to the contractors/employees on the project, greatly improving their long‐term employment prospects."
The council contracted a range of specialists for the work.
One of the companies, Arb Innovations, has since taken on some of the trainees full time as part of its new Wairarapa office between Masterton and Carterton.
People who were left jobless after Covid-19 have now completed NZQA level 2 certificates in horticulture and are now employed full time.
They are enrolled in arboriculture apprenticeships, with two working as trainees on the company's contract with electricity distributor Powerco to manage vegetation near power lines.
Richard Wanhill, Arb Innovations' business development manager, said it was an example of a project that was funded appropriately.
He said that allowed the council, contractors and employees valuable time to learn about the demands and conditions of the work.
"Not everyone is going to shine straight away. Some people take time to find their feet. If you give people the time, education and support, you will see them shine."
Masterton's infrastructure committee will discuss the report at a meeting on Wednesday.
