Construction scholarships a boost for WITT trades students

A major building company has signed an agreement with WITT to provide scholarships for trades students in a bid to support training and development in the local construction industry.

Signature Homes signed the agreement this week with WITT and seven ākonga (students) who were awarded $500 to go towards the cost of tools and course requirements.

The students, who started their training in early March in carpentry, electrical and plumbing, will also receive mentoring and work experience opportunities from Signature Homes.

Dustine Palmer, Director of Signature Homes in Taranaki, says her company was looking for a partnership to “add value to the future of our industry. In signing this agreement with WITT, we’re aiming to contribute to the next generation of up-and-coming trades people.”

“We’re surrounded by skilled trades people at Signature who are willing to provide onsite experience. This means hands-on practical and professional learning as well as life skills for students in a nurturing environment - which will help with building confidence and growth in their chosen field.”

Daniel Fuemana, Director of Schools at WITT, who signed the agreement on behalf of WITT, says “It’s fantastic for our ākonga to have this opportunity for industry experience and networking early on in their education. These scholarships offer a direct pathway into the sector - an invaluable experience. Our agreement with Signature Homes showcases the mutual benefits of partnerships for our students and local industries seeking skilled people.”

Dustine says the students (four women and three guys) will gain work experience on residential builds currently under construction. “Most of our builds are residential private homes, although we’ve been privileged to be involved in kaumatua housing for local iwi. We currently have a kaumatua housing project under construction. Over the years we’ve built daycare centres, Kainga Ora homes and Kiwi Builds in Marfell.”

The scholarship scheme is aimed at students in the Youth Guarantee Fund, which provides fees-free tertiary education for learners aged 16–24 years who have no or low prior qualifications. WITT provides wellbeing support to these akōnga and their whānau with a dedicated Youth Guarantee Co-ordinator, says Katrina Mayo, Work-based Learning Lead at WITT.

“The akōnga are buzzing and so happy to be involved,” Katrina says. “They are very keen to get on site and start this journey.”

Dustine said meeting the recipients of the scholarships at the signing ceremony was a highlight. “Our entire team was so very impressed with all of them. Attitude is everything, and all the recipients had the can-do attitude. It was good to see so much enthusiasm and commitment.”

 Caption: WITT trades students with WITT representatives and the team from Signature Homes at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, 12 March.