01 September 2015
Touring the West Auckland plant of award-winning winemaker Matua Valley Wines during national Got a Trade Week proved a good way for students like Ruhia Henare-Samuels to learn about a career in winemaking and gain tips for getting started.
“Today was a great experience,” says Ruhia who is studying at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a Rohe in Mangere, Auckland. “I learnt the whole cycle of how wine is made and how it is put into bottles. I’d like to thank the staff at Matua for having me on this taster day.”
Ruhia is one of many students, teachers and jobseekers who took part in a Competenz Discovery Tour across the country in Got a Trade Week. These tours were an opportunity to visit a local workplace to learn about the careers available in trades and services industries and the work involved.
Matua winemaker Nikolai St George who led the tour says the company was pleased to open their doors to host the students.
“I can remember being in the situation these students are in, and I know that getting the right careers advice early on is really important,” he says. “It gives you direction and something to work towards – and that’s motivating. Employers and schools need to do more of this.”
Got a Trade Week was also a chance to hear from current learners, including apprentices, who are enjoying the benefits of training on-the job in their chosen trade. Trainees earn while they learn and finish their training with a job in their chosen field – not looking for one. They also gain practical skills they can use from day one and qualifications that are recognised by employers across New Zealand.
Competenz customer Matua joined 18 other companies around the country in generously opening their doors to host a Competenz Discovery Tour.
About national Got a Trade Week (21 to 28 August 2015)
Got a Trade Week is a national campaign, chaired by Competenz and supported by seven industry training organisations, that promotes and celebrates careers in New Zealand’s trades and service industries and the benefits of learning on-the job. www.gotatrade.co.nz
