Business North October 2021

60 | to page 0 The next generation of tradies NZA Apprenticeships focus on carpentry, roofing, joinery, brick & block, interior systems and painting & decorating. CONTRACTING NZA Apprenticeships O ffering a turnkey solution, convenience and removing the worry often associ- ated with finding suitable candidates for apprenticeships within the building and construction industry are among the many benefits offered to host-companies by NZA Apprenticeships. Since its establishment in 2017, NZA Ap- prenticeships has evolved as New Zealand’s largest privately owned managed appren- ticeship company with a focus on carpentry, roofing, joinery, brick & block, interior systems and painting & decorating. “A managed apprenticeship is where a third party company, like NZA Apprenticeships, em- ploys someone looking for an apprenticeship, and finds a host-company for them in the trade the person wants to pursue,” says Chief Executive Chris Hilson. “We currently have over 100 apprentic- es that we’ve placed with host-companies. Throughout their apprenticeship journey they remain our employee and our responsibility.” As well as recruiting and placing candidates at the start of their journey, NZA Apprentice- ships is sometimes approached by people who have been unable to complete their apprenticeship with their original employer. “In the time we’ve been operating we’ve had carpenters, brick and block layers and a roofer qualify.” When approached by a candidate, NZA Apprenticeships does all the interviewing, qualifying and profiling before marketing the candidate to host-companies. “We can normally find a placement within a few weeks, particularly at the moment when there’s such a shortage of staff to fill jobs. When we sign the person into an apprentice- ship we place them with a host-company for on-the-job training. “If the host-company changes its scope of work or ceases to operate, or if there’s a change in the apprentice’s circumstances, as the employer we try to accommodate with transitioning the apprentice to a different firm to complete their apprenticeship.” Catering for the time-poor builder, NZA Apprenticeships invoices the host company for the hours the apprentices work, and then looks after the raft of administrative require- Richard Loader ments including sick and holiday leave, PAYE and all ACC issues. NZA Apprenticeships has tended to favour the residential market because of the broad range of work apprentices are exposed to during their journey. “We find the scope of residential work includes everything from demolition, foun- dations, right through to fitting out a house, enabling apprentices to complete their trade certificates as qualified and competent trades- men, and craftsmen within their industry. We hand pick the host-businesses to ensure they can deliver on the scope of work required for an apprenticeship.” NZA Apprenticeships works closely with BCI- TO and Skills. Chris says BCITO visits the work- place every twelve weeks to independently assess the apprentice on the job, sign off any completed Unit Standards, evaluating when the apprentice has qualified. “We also formally visit regularly every eight weeks and ensure the pastoral care, host rela- tionships and learnings are happening as they should be. Realistically we’re actually seeing people more regularly than that, checking on progress, including on-site health and safety. We have a responsibility for that person for the period of time they’re employed with us.” From its birth in Auckland, the company has pursued growth through offering franchises in other key regions within New Zealand and currently operates throughout Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Otago/Southland and Canterbury/Marlborough/Tasman. Host an apprentice in your business We are New Zealand’s largest privately-owned employer of apprentices and the only managed apprenticeship company operating in the building and construction sector. We offer apprenticeships created to equip candidates with relevant, in-demand industry experience. Seamlessly integrate empowered, vetted and enthusiastic apprentices into your organisation. Now operating throughout Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Otago and Southland. Building tomorrow’s future www.nza.org.nz/host 09 888 9294 info@nza.org.nz