Media Release 

For immediate release 
22 December 2020 

KPtW Cadetship Celebration 

THE success of the Kawerau Pathway to Work cadetships were celebrated last week.

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, nine cadets were placed in industry and service organisations in Kawerau and the Eastern Bay. 

Of the nine Rangatahi who were in the placements, six have now secured apprenticeships in their respective industries, two have gained full-time employment and a third will start full-time tertiary study in 2021.

The Kawerau Pathways to Work (KPtW) programme is the workplace development stream of Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau (ISK) and is funded by the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).

KPtW Manager Edwina O’Brien said although COVID-19 disrupted the Cadetship programme.

“We are thrilled with the outcomes for these young people and it has proven that the cadetship format has been a success.”

Edwina said the Rangatahi learn work skills, but also important life skills and lessons - “they’ve found working is not like school”.

“The reviews we have had with employers and the Rangatahi show that the learning curve has gone both ways. Employers under-estimated the time and commitment needed to effectively train a cadet. One of the greatest learnings for the young people was that there is an expectation for continuous improvement.” 

The KPtW cadetship celebration was an opportunity to congratulate the cadets and also to thank the employers. 

In conjunction with the employers, the cadets were presented with a certificate and gift which was applicable for their trade. 

The success of the programme has seen some of the Rangatahi being offered apprenticeships or employment with other companies. 

Joseph Mount continued working with Sequal Lumber in Kawerau after completing the initial cadetship. He has now been offered an apprenticeship with Landrover NZ based in Hamilton. 

Shaun Spanhake has had a similar outcome, after being placed with Allied Industrial Engineering (AIE) for the cadetship, he completed work experience with East Coast Heavy Diesel who have now offered him a heavy diesel auto mechanic apprenticeship. 

A cadetship at Versatile Builders has turned into an apprenticeship for Jakaleb Samuels and likewise Jack Dorrans will now complete an Electro Mechanical apprenticeship with Milbank where he completed his cadetship.

Mountain View Resthome which is operated by the Kawerau Social Services Trust has retained Stephanie Pivac after her cadetship and offered a Diversional Therapist apprenticeship.

Completing a Level 3 carpentry course at Toi Ohomai in February 2021 will be the next step of the journey for Nikita Soloman who was initially placed at Sequal Lumber for the cadetship.

Tanaya Rudolph-Wilson completed a cadetship at the Kawerau i-SITE which has turned into a fixed term contract. 

Kawerau Life Konnect was the placement for Adjahni Tuwairua and she will continue working and training there as a chef. 

After the cadetship with Sequal Lumber in Kawerau, Paki Tuhoro is now working as a labourer based at a quarry and being trained in driving heavy machinery. 

“These success stories are due to the support of employers and we cannot thank them enough,” Edwina added.

Apprentice study group trial successful

Meanwhile, after the COVID-19 lockdown and feedback from employers, the KPtW Cadetship programme was repurposed. 

This new focus included providing support for existing apprentices. The KPtW team in conjunction with employers and the industry training organisations set up trial study groups for mechanical and electrical engineering apprentices. 

The aim was to make these study groups more accessible by having them in Kawerau and providing a mentor / tutor role.

“It’s about supporting these apprentices to succeed and having the study group here in Kawerau removes the burden of them having to travel out of town after a full day of work,” Edwina O’Brien explains. 

The plan is to continue with the apprentice study groups and widen them to other trades.

In 2021, the KPtW team will be looking to continue to identify opportunities to grow a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the Eastern Bay’s economic developments.  

ABOVE: Celebrating success! Kawerau Pathway to Work cadets (left to right) Nikita Soloman, Adjahni Tuwairua, Jack Dorran, Shaun Spanhake, Tanaya Rudolph-Wilson and Stephanie Pivac. Absent: Jakaleb Samuels and Paki Tuhoro. Photo supplied

LEFT: Kawerau Pathways to Work cadet Adjahni Tuwairua with Kawerau Life Konnect manager Janice Sutton. Adjahni was presented a chef’s jacket at the celebration and will continue to work and study hospitality with Kawerau Life Konnect. Photo supplied

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For more information, please contact Kawerau District Council Communications Manager Tania Humberstone on 027 464 3785.