Tradies’ meet and greet, highlight of the year

The 2020 Tradies’ meet and greet was the highlight of the year for 50 young people who were leaving local colleges or Whitireia Polytechnic to enter the workforce.   They got the opportunity to meet, hear and see a snapshot of the working world.

Organised by Partners Porirua in collaboration with the Porirua Chamber of Commerce, the meet and greet was an hour and a half, jammed packed full of meeting new people, great conversations and reaching outside their comfort zone to explore new opportunities.

Twenty tradespeople, including local builders, plumbers, electricians, drainlayers and roading and infrastructure contractors joined in to share a bit about their business, their pathway into their current role and most importantly, what they look for in a potential employee?

Feedback from the young people was overwhelmingly positive, they were abuzz with excitement after the event.

“It was really helpful; they gave me lots of advice and tips for finding an apprenticeship,” said one attendee.

“It was really good to chat with Alex from 24 Seven Electrical.   I followed up with him after the event because I found what they do interesting.”

Jacqui Edwards, Partners Porirua Workforce Development Manager, says the event was  a win-win for employers who got to scout for some potential new employees.

“It was an excellent, well-run event.  I think it was a great way to engage and educate students about different trades that are available,” said one local chippie.

Jacqui says Partners Porirua is in regular contact with the employers many of whom have on-going employment needs.

“It’s a matter of right time, right place,” she says. “Following this event, we helped to broker five placements but I’m hopeful for more in the new year.”