Aspiring trade apprentices awarded PlaceMakers’ scholarships

4 July 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Building a career for themselves: Aspiring trade apprentices awarded PlaceMakers’ scholarships

Twelve aspiring, new apprentices from across New Zealand have been given the opportunity to build a dynamic future for themselves as part of the 2013 intake for the PlaceMakers Apprentice Scholarship Scheme (P.A.S.S.).

In partnership with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), PlaceMakers last year called for applicants for the scheme’s pilot year and was met with an overwhelming response.

The high calibre of applicants saw PlaceMakers offer an additional two spots, increasing the original ten P.A.S.S. placements to twelve.

From Auckland to Gore, the selected apprentices will have their BCITO tuition fees paid by PlaceMakers throughout the duration of their study. The building materials supplier will also provide each trainee with on-going mentoring, support and experience at their local PlaceMakers branch, as they work towards completing their qualification.

PlaceMakers Chief Executive John Beveridge says the launch of the pilot programme is well-timed as New Zealand experiences a spike in demand for qualified trades’ people and an increase in building activities. 

“There hasn’t been a better time to start in the building industry in New Zealand for a long while.

“The Christchurch rebuild is gearing up and Auckland is tipped for exponential population growth. So the demand for skilled builders and other dedicated trades’ people is high and will only continue to grow.

“PlaceMakers is proud to be a part of training the country’s next generation of builders.

“Partnering with BCITO to offer the P.A.S.S. programme to such enthusiastic and well deserving young people means they have the opportunity and support they need to get a head start in the industry.

“The pool of young talent we had to choose from was overwhelming and the programme just makes sense in terms of helping to address the increased demand for qualified trades’ people across the country,” Mr Beveridge said.

Congratulations to the selected 2013 P.A.S.S. recipients:

Blake Walton, New Lynn
Matt Stringer, New Plymouth
Cameron McCoskery, Pakuranga
Tomas Liberona-Feek, Porirua
Aaron Coe, Pukekohe
Joshua Treymane, Hornby
Taylor Oaks, Pukekohe
Aaron Farrell, Dunedin
Robert Willison, Huntly
Ben Bringans, Oamaru
Tate Maxwell, Thames
Michael Perkins, Gore

The PlaceMakers Apprentice Scholarship Scheme was open to young people already enrolled in the BCITO National Certificate in Carpentry course or anyone keen to start a career in the building industry. 

ENDS

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