From the site to the signing: a big term for our rangatahi

Ara means pathway and this term, our rangatahi walked one: from the classroom, onto a live construction site, and in several cases, straight into full-time work and apprenticeships.

Here’s what the last few months looked like.

Two weeks onsite at Auckland Airport
In early July, students from our Term 2 Work Experience Programme pulled on their hi-vis and started a two-week paid placement on the Auckland Airport project, hosted by Hawkins.

For most of them, it was their first time on a live construction site. Over the fortnight they worked alongside site crews and managers, learned how a major infrastructure project actually runs, picked up practical skills, and built relationships with people who do this work every day.

That experience is only possible because employers open their doors. Alongside Hawkins, our students were hosted by NZ Labour Hire, D&H Steel, Marin Construction and Livefirm, teams who gave up their time to mentor, teach and back a group of young people taking their first steps into the industry.

We finished with a shared kai on site, a chance to reflect on what the students had achieved, and a Certificate of Participation for each of them, recognising their commitment, their growth and their hard work.

CJ and Rutger sign with Grayson’s Engineering

Work experience isn’t the finish line. It’s the door.

In July, CJ and Rutger signed employment contracts with Grayson’s Engineering and started on 14 July. CJ has joined the Fabrication Workshop; Rutger has started in the Paint Shop Workshop. Both completed their pre-employment checks and walked in as new employees, not visitors.

This isn’t just a job for either of them. It’s the beginning of a career in engineering: lifelong skills, mentoring, and the chance to explore where the industry can take them.

Our thanks to David Allan and the Grayson’s Engineering team for believing in these two young men and giving them a genuine start. Phillip Helleur, Construction Director at Hawkins, summed up the mood when the news landed:

“Fantastic news, well done boys, well done Grayson’s.”

Phillip Helleur, Construction Director, Hawkins

Before that: a month of apprenticeship starts
CJ and Rutger aren’t the only ones. June was one of our biggest months yet for rangatahi moving into trades careers.

Knox and Latu completed their MIT Pre-Trade Plumbing Level 3 qualification and signed apprenticeship contracts with Hanlon Plumbing, starting on 29 June. Their journey began with a work experience placement at the airport back in Year 13, early exposure that changed the direction of their careers.

“Without Ara Education, I wouldn’t have been introduced to Hawkins. I am grateful for all the support, guidance and encouragement I have received. My family is very proud of me, as I am the first tradesman in my family.”

Knox, apprentice plumber, Hanlon Plumbing

“This apprenticeship is more than just a job. It is a foundation for my future.”

Latu, apprentice plumber, Hanlon Plumbing

Tayleena stepped into her second-year carpentry apprenticeship with Builders Academy, a pathway that’s building real momentum.

And Tyson started his career with Economech, also on 29 June.

“Ara and the Hawkins programme gave me the chance to get my foot in the door.”

Tyson, Economech

Why this matters
The Auckland Airport precinct is the second largest employment hub in the region, with around 25,000 jobs across 250 businesses, minutes from where our rangatahi live. The opportunity has always been right next door. Our job is to make sure it lands.

That means starting early. Our School Build and Work Experience programmes are delivered in partnership with six local schools: Manurewa High School, Te Haikura a Kiwa, Alfriston College, Māngere College, Southern Cross Campus and Tuakau College. Together we give students real exposure to real workplaces, so that by the time they finish school they’ve already been on site, met employers, and can picture themselves in the work.

And it doesn’t stop at the start date. Ara provides in-work support for up to 12 months, so young people don’t just get in the door. They settle, they stay, and they grow.

Ngā mihi nui to our partners
None of this happens without employers who back young people before they’ve proved themselves.

To Hawkins, NZ Labour Hire, D&H Steel, Marin Construction and Livefirm, thank you for welcoming our rangatahi onto your sites, investing your time, sharing your knowledge and giving them hands-on learning that has made a lasting impact on every one of them.

To Grayson’s Engineering, Hanlon Plumbing, Economech and Builders Academy, thank you for backing these young people with real jobs, real training and real mentoring. Knowing they’ll be supported and given room to explore different career pathways gives us every confidence they’ll thrive in your teams.

Thank you also to our six partner schools, and to the careers staff and whānau who get these students to the gate ready to go.

And to Auckland Airport and the Ministry of Social Development, our founding and funding partners, whose long-term commitment makes these pathways possible.

Get involved
If you’re a student, parent or careers advisor and you’d like to know more about our work experience and pathway programmes, get in touch with the Ara team at araskills.org.nz.

Employers interested in hosting students or hiring through Ara can contact us too. Our recruitment service is free, end-to-end, and backed by 12 months of in-work support.

Right next door. Ready for work.

From the site to the signing: a big term for our rangatahi

Two weeks on a live construction site at Auckland Airport, certificates in hand, and for some of our students, an employment contract signed before the term was out.