Eyes on programmes to develop ‘necessary skills’

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upton at the controls of an excavator when she visited the Truck and Heavy Machine Operator Training Trust in Dunstan Road. With her are, from left, National MP for East Coast Dana Kirkpatrick and driving/machine operator trainers Anson Lee-Kutia, Hemiana Tupou, Ryland Franklin, Guy Allan, Shane Wyrill and Joseph Aranga. Picture by Paul Rickard

Cabinet minister Louise Upston enjoyed driving an excavator when she came to Gisborne.

“It was good,” she said. “I did all right.”

The Social Development and Employment Minister was visiting the Truck and Heavy Machine Operator Training Trust in Dunstan Road.

Ms Upston said successful skills training providers like the trust, working with Drive 35  (Tairāwhiti Road Transport Programme backed by  the Eastland Wood Council) and GCA Logistics, could help the Government have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support benefits by 2030.

“People say that’s an enormous number of jobs, but it’s one job at a time.

“Those who have the necessary skills can have jobs that are here, or are coming.”

There were numerous opportunities for skilled drivers and machine operators all over the country.

It was important to have providers like the trust, who knew what the industry wanted.

The providers were able to put something together and provide the opportunity for employment.

The minister said one trainee had told her, “I’ve got hope now”.

The Sector Workforce Engagement Programme (led by Kānoa - Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit) had a section for infrastructure, said the minister.

“So we need to make sure we are delivering such programmes around the country.”

Looking ahead, she said there was going to be growth in civil construction.

“So we need to make sure Kiwis are first in line for those jobs.”

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick was impressed by what she saw.

“It’s great to see these young guys and girls changing their lives step by step.

“That is what is meant when we talk about workforce development.”