Stanley Group Construction have signed a Consortium Terms of Reference agreement with Wintec's Māori and Pasifika Trade Training, and the Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust, to provide 17 weeks training for students who in the end will receive an NZQA Level 4 certificate in construction and be placed into full time employment.
According to Mokoro Gillett, "I must firstly thank them (Stanley) for opening the doors of opportunity and building a bridge for our people into their company, with the interests of our youth in mind."
This week the students were welcomed on to the Stanley Group site in Matamata where training will take place, and the honour was given to Ngāti Tūwharetoa to open the new premises where four of their youth will be trained.
This unique partnership between Stanley Group, Ngāti Hauā and Wintec is already having an impact on the trainees who envisage great things ahead as they unselfishly think of achieving for the sake of others.
Rion Kahia says, "I think it's amazing to be honest, it's good for me and the bro's and the sis, it's mean and not only for us but for the future for all our other young ones that are coming up."
For the duration of their training, the trainees will have the full support of their families, their iwi and Wintec, who will be monitoring their progress as well as playing a part in the practical application of their training, helping them to reach their goals.