Lane Walker-Foreman, Manaaki Teirney, Roger Niao, Raydyn Kingi, James Te Riini and Sherraijka Bruintjes each received a certificate of achievement for completing the Work Experience Programme 2016, a joint initiative between Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau and Tarawera High School. Their families were also invited to the ceremony, held at Tarawera High School.

These students were matched with roles in participating businesses to gain valuable work experience. The businesses involved were Kajavala Forestry Limited, Sequal Lumber, Kawerau District Council, CHH Woodproducts and SLH Contracting. 

Kawerau District Council economic and community development manager Glenn Sutton says the programme aims to support the community and build bridges between them and local industry.

“The feedback from businesses and the students/high school was very positive. We tried to make the work experience as realistic as possible and all the students enjoyed themselves. A great example of the success of the programme is that Lane Walker-Foreman, who completed his experience at Kajavala Forestry Limited, is now permanently employed by the company,” Glenn said.

“A big thank you to Deanne Butler, Robyn Cannell and (deputy mayor) Faylene Tunui, who got this year’s programme off the ground and prepared and mentored the students.”

Another programme is planned for 2017, with dates to be confirmed.