Forty-four (44) apprenticeship Graduates and Prizewinners presented with Awards by ATT
Plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers and roofing apprentices celebrate
It was a night of celebration on Wednesday evening (22 August) in Auckland as trades apprentices from the North Island
graduated and received their prizes and certificates from ATT’s (Apprenticeship Training Trust) apprenticeship training
scheme.
Forty-four (44) young people from the northern region are now fully-trained in the plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and
roofing trades. As well, 23 apprentices received prizes for excellence and progress as they work their way through their
apprenticeships. An additional group of 20 of ATT’s South Island apprentices will have their turn at a
graduation/prizegiving ceremony in Christchurch on Wednesday, 19 September.
ATT’s CEO Gray Paterson says, “It is such a thrill to see these young people do so well as their chosen careers. They
have all worked hard to follow their dreams and they are first-rate employees for the building sector. We salute them.
“We are also proud of the 23 prizewinning apprentices who are still mid-way through their training and who have won
awards for excellence. These young people are strongly committed to their trades and work to the high standards we set
in our programme. They will make excellent employees in several years’ time.”
“This week is ‘Got a Trade, Get it Made’ week which was established four years ago to raise awareness of learning and
on-the-job career opportunities in New Zealand’s trades and services. ATT is very pleased to support this initiative
that promotes the outstanding career opportunities available for apprentices.”
Mr Paterson says 2018 has been an excellent year for ATT. Over this year, ATT will have a total of 75 graduating
apprentices – the largest number ever. As well, ATT will reach a milestone of employing 100 electrical apprentices by
the end of 2018. “We are very pleased indeed that we are delivering these record apprentice numbers to the market,” adds
Mr Paterson.
ATT Apprenticeship Scholarships, 30 awarded in 2018
This year 30 ATT Apprenticeship Scholarships have been awarded to prospective apprentices who may struggle to pay the
apprenticeship fee and need a hand-up.
ATT has always had successful applicants who fit the criteria as prospective apprentices, pass the required numeracy and
literacy tests and who are keen to get a trade. But, says Mr Paterson, for some the stumbling block has been an
inability to pay the fees as their families are struggling financially. Established in 2017, winning such a scholarship
means these young people can fulfil their dream of becoming a tradesperson. ATT has committed $150,000 for the period
2017-2019 to support this initiative.
Future outlook for trades
Mr Paterson says the outlook for trades in New Zealand is positive. “This country is, as is well-known, very short of
tradespeople. We are proud that ATT is delivering a record number of highly skilled young people who are keen to
contribute to the building sector. Ultimately, these apprentices will establish their own businesses and host their own
apprentices.”
ATT is a registered charitable trust that recruits, employs and places apprentices into ‘host’ businesses in the
plumbing, gasfitting drainlaying, roofing and electrical trades. ATT calls this the ‘managed-apprentice model.’
Established in 1991, ATT currently has 385 apprentices working throughout New Zealand. ATT operates from four locations
– Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch; its head office is in Highbrook in South Auckland. For more
information about ATT, click here.