MIT modern apprentice numbers on the rise

Thursday, 29 March 2007

Manukau Institute of Technology’s modern apprentice numbers continue to rise, in line with the national trend. With the government aiming for 14,000 apprentices by 2008, MIT had 180 last year and just over 200 in March this year with more being taken on over the course of the year.

Set up by the government, the modern apprenticeships scheme links industry and polytechnics in a move to combat the severe skills shortage that many New Zealand businesses currently face. MIT Modern Apprenticeships coordinator Larry Wiechern says the scheme has helped top up the shallow pool of skilled workers in a cross-section of industries.

“Industry can influence the things we teach based on what it needs, which means our courses are always relevant. Our tutors are out there in industry and can act as go-betweens for the students,” he says.

“People on this career pathway will definitely get ahead and ultimately help make New Zealand more productive and competitive.”

Larry adds that while some modern apprentices are school leavers, there is considerable scope for those already employed in different sectors of industry to upskill. And employers should be aware of the benefits an employee who is upskilling can make to their business and ultimately their bottom line

Two MIT modern apprentices previously employed as machine operators were identified by the respective companies as having potential and the right attitude.

Papatoetoe resident Brendan Tiriaere recently completed his Certificate of Achievement in Maintenance Engineering. He had been through the pre-apprenticeship course at MIT before asking his company, international brewer Lion Nathan, to put him forward as a modern apprentice. Brendan completed the apprenticeship over three years, attending night school one night a week.

“It’s obviously a good career move and the MIT input was really valuable as I did a lot of things in the block courses I’d never done at work,” he says. “The training gave me a really broad base and when my trade certificate arrives I’ll be moving up to a full time engineering role.”

Quality Bakers employee Travel Tepai is a new student to the scheme and the Manukau Heights resident plans to take the new skills back to his native Rarotonga.

“You have to have good attendance and be a hard worker,” he says. “I feel good about having my employer Quality Bakers right behind me and I think I have a real future there. After that, though, it will be good to go back home with a valuable education.”

While it’s not an official part of the scheme, MIT is able to channel strong candidates from its pre-apprentice courses through to employers.

“I regularly get calls from employers looking for apprentices. If they start off as pre- apprentices, get taken on by an employer and moved on to a modern apprenticeship, they are starting off with a really solid grounding.”

ends

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