Peter building his future at Sims Metal

Seven months into his first job at Sims Metal, 18-year-old Peter Tatola has not missed a single day of work. In fact, according to his manager, he is early most mornings. The former Manurewa High School student consistently looks for ways to help and has already earned a reputation as a reliable member of the team. Peter now works as a picker, sorting materials and learning the different parts of Sims Metal’s metal recycling operation.

“This is the type of job I want to work at,” he says. “I like it here.”

His pathway into employment began through Trades Academy and Ara Skills’ School Build programme. Peter says the traditional classroom environment was not always the right fit for him. School Build gave him the opportunity to learn in a more practical, hands-on way. “Everyone was active with their hands and learning new skills,” he says.

Through the programme, Peter gained practical experience and began developing valuable skills he could take into the workplace. When the opportunity at Sims Metal came up, Ara Site Manager Willie helped him prepare for the next step. “He helped me through the interviews and did practice and everything,” Peter says.

That support helped Peter make the move from training into employment. It also gave him the
chance to show Sims Metal what he could offer.

Peter’s manager Surica Jansen van Vuuren says he stood out from the beginning because he
approached the company himself and expressed a genuine interest in the work.

“Young people don’t often come and approach employers and decide that they’re interested in a
specific field,” she says.

“He made a point of coming to see me and showing his interest.”

Since joining the team, Peter has backed up that enthusiasm with his attitude at work.

“He’s reliable. He’s got a fantastic work ethic. He shows up and he’s early every morning. He
has 100 percent attendance, which is quite remarkable for a young person.”

When Peter completes a task, he checks whether there is anything else he can do or another area that needs help.

“If he’s done with a job, he’ll come and see me and ask, ‘Is there anything else? What can I do now? Is there another station that needs assistance?’”

There is still plenty for Peter to learn. It can take one to two years to understand the different metals and commodities handled by Sims Metal, including how to identify and grade them
correctly.

The company plans to rotate Peter through different areas of the site so he can build that knowledge, develop his skills and gradually take on more responsibility.

Peter is keen to make the most of the opportunity. “I want to learn everything here, all the materials, and gain all the experience,” he says.
He can see himself staying with Sims Metal for years to come.

For Sims Metal, Peter’s progress shows the value of giving young people an opportunity to enter the workforce and prove themselves.

His manager, van Vuuren says the transition from school into full-time work can be difficult, particularly when employers are not always prepared to take a chance on someone at the beginning of their career.

“I always advocate for young people, but they also have to be enthusiastic and interested to learn,” she says.

Sims Metal hopes to continue connecting with learners who are interested in the industry, as long as they “show [their] interest and [are] willing to learn”.

The partnership gives Sims Metal access to young people who are ready to learn and contribute. For rangatahi like Peter, School Build provides practical experience, individual support and a pathway into real employment. Peter’s advice to other young people considering Ara is simple.

“Come to Ara,” he says. “You get a chance. Just listen to all the tutors at the course.”

Peter’s journey shows what can happen when practical learning and hard work is backed by personal support and an employer willing to invest in a young person’s potential.