For many years, the message to young people was clear, go to university to build a successful career. Today, that perception is changing. More people are recognising that careers in the trades offer valuable opportunities to learn practical skills, develop expertise and build a stable and rewarding future.
Across New Zealand, apprenticeships are playing an increasingly important role in helping people discover those pathways.
At Programmed Facility Management, apprenticeships are a key part of how we develop our workforce and invest in the future of the trades. By creating opportunities for people to learn on the job, supported by experienced mentors, the organisation is helping build the next generation of skilled technicians.
Programmed, Senior Operations Manager Michael O’Keefe says supporting apprentices is a long term commitment.
“We want to be a trainer. We want to grow and develop people and continue to expand our apprenticeship programme. As far as we’re concerned, it’s been hugely successful and something we want to keep investing in.”
One of the strengths of the programme is the focus on recognising potential within the existing workforce.
Wattie Senani is a great example of this approach in action. He originally joined Programmed working in sanitation services, responsible for maintaining public spaces across the community.
“I started with Programmed emptying public rubbish bins as part of the sanitation team,” Wattie explains. “Then I received an email from HR asking if I’d be interested in doing an electrical apprenticeship. I said yes, and things progressed from there.”
Today, Wattie is progressing through his electrical apprenticeship, gaining hands on experience while building a career with long term opportunities.
For Michael, stories like Wattie’s highlight why investing in people matters.
“We look for talent in house that might be underutilised and create pathways for them to grow,” he says. “When people see there are real opportunities to develop their careers, it motivates them to stay and grow with us.”
Mentorship is central to the programme’s success. Apprentices work alongside highly experienced technicians who share the knowledge they’ve gained over years in the industry.
“Capable individuals have learned all the tricks of the trade,” Michael explains. “Passing that knowledge on to the next generation is critical, which is why our mentorship programme involves senior leaders actively supporting apprentices.”
That mentorship can have a significant impact on the apprentice experience.
“One on one mentoring has really changed my experience,” says apprentice Dominic Stenning. “I feel like I have the resources to learn and people genuinely want me to succeed.”
The programme is also helping open the door for greater diversity within the trades, something that is increasingly important for the future of the industry.
“Women entering trades is absolutely necessary for the ongoing success of the sector,” says Michael. “Diversity brings new ideas, new ways of thinking and different approaches to solving problems.”
Dominic says the supportive environment at Programmed has made a real difference.
“The team here doesn’t make me feel any less because I’m a woman. If something takes a bit longer or I need a hand, people are always willing to help.”
For many apprentices, the impact of these opportunities extends beyond the workplace.
Wattie says moving into an electrical apprenticeship has helped create a better future for his family.
“This career has had a positive impact on me and my family. I’m able to spend more time with them and they’re happy to see me building something long term.”
As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, programmes like this are becoming increasingly important.
By identifying potential within its workforce, investing in apprenticeships and supporting people through mentorship and development, Programmed is helping ensure the next generation of tradespeople has the skills and support they need to succeed.
