READY FOR THE WORKFORCE: Students celebrate graduating from Trust Tairawhiti’s Licence to Work programme. Picture by Canaan Akuhata-Brown
Over 250 secondary school students, teachers and employers from around Tairawhiti came together last month to celebrate success in attaining employability skills.
Completing its third year, the Trust Tairawhiti Licence to Work programme acknowledged 93 students who participated this year — 69 of whom graduated and 24 who are continuing
their journey to completion. The trust also celebrated 54 local employers who offer opportunities for participants to hone their employment skills.
Licence to Work co-ordinator Karen Fenn was delighted to see the students’ hard work recognised: “Students were courageous, looking their best and full of smiles. Their journey to graduation has been significant and not always easy. I am so proud of their commitment and perseverance to succeed,” she said.
A major highlight of the event was Phil Matthews of Universal Engineering offering two apprenticeships. Theo Grzeda and Michael Moles (both Campion College) received a welcome surprise when Mr Matthews, a supporter of Licence to Work since its inception, made the announcement while presenting certificates.
“I encourage everyone to get behind Licence to Work. It is a great programme developing real skills,” he said. “There is a huge shortage of trade skills in our region and students and employers should be getting behind this initiative.”
