The Spring Hill Corrections Facility in North Waikato isn’t due to open until next year, but the local community is already benefiting from its construction.
Through a partnership with Work and Income, over 60 previously unemployed locals are working on the Spring Hill construction site. Work and Income also keep a database of people interested in working at Spring Hill, who are considered for short listing as vacancies on the construction site arise.
Work and Income Strategy Manager Pauline Jull says the construction of Spring Hill has really boosted job opportunities in North Waikato.
“The collaboration between regions and agencies on this project has been excellent, and the result is that anyone looking for work at Spring Hill can access one of several agencies for assistance. We are all working towards the same end and there has been a strongly shared underlying desire that not only individuals and families will benefit but also local communities,” says Pauline.
Spring Hill has also been host to year 13 (form 7) students who work on the site once a week as part of the Gateway programme, which encourages senior students to investigate future career aspirations.
Collaborative Working Arrangement (CWA) Manager Martin Fahey came up with the idea of getting involved in the Gateway programme.
“The employment initiative we formed to source labour for the Spring Hill project has naturally progressed to include the Gateway Programme,” says Martin.
“The CWA has a responsibility to involve the Community and giving students the opportunity to get an insight into the construction industry and the numerous disciplines fitted perfectly with the Gateway programme.
“We are very pleased with the results and see getting entry-level people into this industry as critical to solving trade shortages.”
Carl Reisima and Naro Te Whare from Huntly College, and Simba Mtakwa and Brendon McMillan from Te Kauwhata College have had the opportunity to experience working in the construction industry at Spring Hill.
Instead of coming to school every Wednesday, the students are on site by 7.30 am ready to start work.
Carl has been working with Dominion Constructors Project Manager Paul Warrener and has decided that he would prefer to focus on houses, not industrial construction. Learning this means he can tailor further learning and work experience towards this goal. Carl is waiting to have an apprenticeship with a local house builder confirmed.
Naro told his teacher that he was interested in underwater welding. He was placed with Waikato Steel Fabricators and has been gaining experience with them over the past few months. Currently, with the support of the Gateway Programme, he is doing a welding course at Wintec in Hamilton. On completion of this he hopes to do an apprenticeship with Waikato Steel Fabricators.
Simba plans to study architecture at Victoria University in 2008. He has been working with the site architects Stephenson & Turner, gaining a solid understanding of what architects do. He has been invited back to the site during the school holidays for further experience.
Because of his interest in civil construction, Brendan was placed with Works Infrastructure where he has spent time learning about specialised areas such as, drainage, earthworks, and roading. He has been out with supervisors and also worked with individual crews. While in the office Brendan has also learnt about administration, quality assurance and health and safety.
Simba and Brendan’s Principal at Te Kauwhata College, Colin Driller, says allowing students to experience a real workplace has been invaluable.
“We’re committed to providing a wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities for our students, and meeting individual needs. Allowing students to take part in the Gateway programme and get work experience opportunities at Spring Hill is a great way to do this. I hope more students will take up the opportunity,” says Colin.
Construction is well underway at the Spring Hill Corrections Facility.
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ISSN 1178-8453