Mentoring Programme
With many of our workforce migrating to Australia, the steel industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. At the same time high school students are not aware of the opportunities for them in steel construction.
In response to this, Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) has developed a mentoring scheme which aims to encourage school students into a career in the steel construction industry.
The programme requires commitment from schools, polytechnics and the industry to help raise awareness and excitement among young people to develop their skills for the steel industry.
The Pilot Programme
| Week | Programme | |
|---|---|---|
| Term 3 | 21 Jul 28 Jul 4 Aug 11 Aug 18 Aug |
1 day per week at MIT (learning basic safety, welding & cutting skills) |
| 25 Aug 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep |
1 day per week with Mentoring Company (Work Experience) | |
| School Holidays | 29 Sep 6 Oct |
1 Full week at mentoring company (paid employment) |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct 20 Oct 27 Oct |
1 day per week at MIT (reviewing skills & experience) |
While students are still enrolled at school, for one day each week they will attend this programme.
For the first 5 weeks they will train at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), learning about site safety, and basic welding and cutting skills.
During the second 5 week block, students will complete work experience, 1 day per week, with an SCNZ member company.
During the school holidays students will then have one week of paid employment with their company to gain further work experience.
After the school holidays the students will spend another 3 weeks at MIT reviewing their skills and work experience
On conclusion of the course, SCNZ will arrange for a meeting of participating companies, schools and MIT to discuss and review the pilot programme.
Students will ...
- Be seeking to start their careers in steel fabrication.
- Have covered (at MIT) safety in the work place and an introduction to the basic skills. e.g. welding and cutting.
- Have the necessary safety equipment.
- Have a training plan.
- Have a good attitude.
Companies will benefit by ...
- A continuous pool of interested yound people feeding into the Steel Construction Industry from the education system.
- An opportunity to identify and form the next generation of skilled workers at an early stage in schools.
- Sustainable, quality, efficient and cost effective recruitment.
- SCNZ will provide a mentoring co-ordinator/support person that can liaise with students schools, MIT, companies and parents.
- Supported by Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development, Manukau City Council, MIT and local high schools.