Unison triples its apprentice intake to tackle Hawke's Bay shortage of tradesmen

TRAINING POLE: Val Taia (left) and Danny Toala carry out a rescue training exercise for new Unison apprentices at the Unison Centre of Excellence EIT campus in Taradale. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR.

A Hawke's Bay-based company is doing its bit to fill a recognised shortage of tradies in the region by tripling its annual apprentice intake.

Unison Contracting Services Limited (UCSL) is this year taking on a total of 18 apprentice line mechanics, electricians and cable jointers, across its networks.

Company chief executive Charles Kaka said a dozen new recruits started this month in Hawke's Bay and six more were due to start in the central region in April.

"This is the company's largest intake of apprentices over the past six years, where new recruits have averaged six per year across its network.

"We are focused on sustainably growing our contracting business to create more value for Unison shareholders, and providing a reliable network for customers across our regions."

Recent growth has included contracting linesmen, supervisors, design and planning expertise to Aurora Energy in Otago.

"As well as growth, several other factors are behind the increase. With an ageing population, we expect 30 per cent of skilled employees to retire over the next 15 years. In addition, electrical line workers and electricians are both occupations listed on Immigration New Zealand's long term skill shortage list.

A change to the training programme this year meant there was more room to accommodate applicants.

"When we advertise for trainees we get plenty of applications. This is true historically and this year. However, this year we could take more on with the change in our training programme.

"Because more training is being undertaken at our purpose-built learning facility, this will ensure that when trainees enter the crew environment they have gained the introductory experience and knowledge required to safely perform tasks under supervision. Not only will this be better for them, it will help us to manage the increased workload on our already busy crews."

Maddison Hammond, a trainee cable jointer from Hastings, was previously doing working for a demolition company in Hawke's Bay.

He said Unison's reputation in Hawke's Bay was a major drawcard for him.

"I was keen to work for an organisation that was focused on developing its staff and had good growth and progression opportunities.

"People I have spoken to who work for Unison say it is a great place to work, so I was stoked when I was selected. I am looking forward to being able to progress my career in Hawke's Bay and there's satisfaction in knowing that the work you are doing is helping to keep the lights on, too."

Unison Contracting field training manager Viv Bruin said the company was also raising the quality of training through a new full-time programme of practical and theoretical training, developed at Unison's Centre of Excellence at EIT in Taradale.

"More training is being undertaken at our purpose-built learning facility, which will ensure that when trainees enter the crew environment they have gained introductory experience and knowledge to safely perform tasks under supervision. Not only will this be better for the trainees, it will help us to manage the increased workload on our already busy crews."

Mrs Bruin said recruiting apprentices had helped to transform the company.

"We are proud to be able to provide locals with long-term employment opportunities and links with our company purpose to enable our communities to prosper."

Mr Kaka added that the company was also looking to recruit qualified, experienced candidates interested in joining its team.