Trading Up

Young people are often told that an apprenticeship is a great way to learn a trade – but what are the day-to-day realities of being an apprentice?

That’s what local tradesmen explained to a group of senior boys during a visit to Thames High School recently.  Their visit was part of ‘Got A Trade, Got It Made’ week, which aims to raise awareness of careers in trades and services.
 

Gateway programme assistant Jane Stove said they told the students about what’s expected of apprentices on the job and what their workloads are like.

She said they also gave advice about the best way to prepare for an apprenticeship while still at school, such as what subjects to take or what extracurricular activities to get involved in.

Jane said it was awesome that these great guys came in to share their insights with the students, who now have a clearer idea about what’s involved.

The visiting tradies – all former Thames High Students – were Matt Jones – building apprentice with Sean Bentley, Liam Brown – butchery supervisor at Thames Pak n Save, Jacob Leopold – electrician apprenticeship with Shaun Richards Electrical, Rohan Stent – engineering apprentice at A & G Price, and Manu Wright & Tony Cameron – the owners of Thames Coast Contractors.

Both Matt and Rohan were able to work towards their apprenticeships while they were still at school by doing work-based training facilitated by Thames High’s Gateway programme.  

Also as part of  ‘Got A Trade, Got It Made’ week,  Jane Stove and two students – Jono Motion and Darrell Fraei  – went to Hamilton to join a tour put on by The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).  

She said they got a fascinating look at how things are made at New Zealand Windows and Placemakers Frames and Trusses, as well as visiting a multi-million dollar mansion that’s currently under construction.

Click to find out more Got a Trade, Got it Made.