Mitchell is also a graduate of Te Ara o Tākitimu, a Māori and Pasifika trade training initiative run with Ngāti Kahungunu, which is designed to assist 16-40-year-olds with aspirations in a wide range of trade training areas.
Te Ara o Takitimu participants get free study, pastoral support, finance to overcome barriers like transport costs and support to link with their kaupapa. They are also assisted in the search for work experience, jobs and apprenticeships through EIT's dedicated work brokers. He is also part of the Ngāti Kahungunu K3 Property Development Scheme.
Mitchell, who has 4-year-old daughter Kyani with his partner Tee, is now completing the Level 4 programme at EIT, as well as doing his apprenticeship at Laser Plumbing and Electrical Napier.
"We are currently working on some new builds, so I am learning a lot."
Mitchell, who is Hawke's Bay born and bred, plans to get as much experience as possible and would eventually like to start his own company.
As if he did not have enough on his plate, he also has a second job as a youth minder at Te Ikaroa Rangatahi Social Services, a support service for children, youth and families in Napier.
"I really enjoy it because it gives you a different outlook on how life works for some people, especially with troubled youth."
