Taking part in a recent EIT ‘boot camp’ for Maori and Pacific Island trades students showing leadership potential, from left, Rayne Hungahunga, Brock Kara and Sione Kaulave.

EIT is part of two collaborations that have been successful in securing Government funding to support further trades training for Maori and Pasifika students.

The Maori and Pasifika Trades Training initiative provides support and incentives aimed at encouraging students aged 18 to 34 to gain meaningful trade qualifications and apprenticeships.

The scheme, announced in the 2013 Budget, encompasses a range of programmes to support a wide variety of trades and primary industries.

EIT is involved in two initiatives – one in Hawke’s Bay with the Youth Futures Trust and the other in Tairawhiti with Ngati Porou.   A staff member will be employed on each campus to provide additional pastoral care and help students make the transition into tertiary education and jobs.

EIT will ensure training is aligned to the needs of both employers and learners and is liaising with Māori, Pasifika and other community groups to attract students interested in taking part.