10 Jul 2012

Trade training boost means more jobs for Maori

8:59 pm on 10 July 2012

Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Ngai Tahu iwi, and industry say the Government's decision to boost Maori trade training in Christchurch will mean more jobs for young people.

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce says there will be an extra $1 million made available to boost Maori capability and leadership in the trades workforce.

Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon says extra money means more young Maori will have an opportunity to gain a trade and a job.

He says enhancing the skills of local Maori will give them leadership opportunities, and provide long term economic benefits for Canterbury

Andrew Confait, from Hawkins Construction, says widening the pool of trades people can only be good for the Canterbury region.

Since June last year when the Institute of Technology, Ngai Tahu iwi and industry partners launched He Toki ki te Rika Maori, or Maori trades training, 60 students have found jobs with local firms in Christchurch.