112 | BUILDING Running sites at an early age Matt takes pride in producing quality workmanship, something he embraces, no matter how big or small the project is. MW Builders T T Alexia Anderson A desire to swap the classroom for building sites is paying off for Matt Watene, who is now the owner and manager of his own construction company. Matt was just 16 when he welcomed the opportunity of an apprenticeship, allowing him to learn the tools of his trade, from the ground up. At the time, recruiters had visited his school to offer students a pathway into the building industry - an opportunity he chose not to waste. Following years of hard work, Matt qualified and later spent five years as a foreman for a high-end architectural building company, before becoming a sole trader as a contract builder in Motueka. His ability to manage and run sites at an early age stood him in good stead and he now prides himself on a building style that is efficient and of a high standard. Matt takes pride in producing quality workmanship, something he embraces, no matter how big or small the project is. “Our focus is to listen and understand our clients’ needs and wants, and to assist them in their journey to achieving their visions, providing quality workmanship,” he says. The team at MW Builders is small, with Matt supporting a crew of three, including an apprentice, allowing him to support the same concept that gave him the key to a successful building career. Matt has adopted a hands-on approach to the industry, ensuring he gives the same kind of support to others and the industry that he received when he was starting out. To do that he has opened his business to the Gateway programme, which gives senior students at secondary schools access to structured workplace learning, integrated with school-based learning. Students are assessed in the workplace where they can achieve credits on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, which goes towards their National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA). “We work with [the] Gateway project via Motueka High School [once] a week for a full day,” Matt says. That concept is working well for everyone involved, with last year’s candidate now working as Matt’s apprentice, who is one of several he has supported over the years, a valuable key to the industry’s future, he says. “[It’s a] very important process to train new tradesmen to keep up with demand and managing good workmanship and quality within the building industry.” Without it there would be a lack of skills emerging throughout the industry, he says. An apprenticeship, which takes about four years to complete, provides participants with an understanding of the work environment and health and safety, along with the countless building skills required to perform a wide range of projects. It also provides them with people skills, teaching them how to work in a team and alongside a range of sub-contractors. Those who gain success in the sector are those with the right attitude, who show up daily with a desire to keep learning, he says. Matt’s one single piece of advice to someone considering a career as a builder is simple. “Commit to some labour experience before committing to an apprenticeship to ensure it is right for you.” F R E E Q U O T E S Motueka • Tasman Painting • Spray Painting • Wallpapering • Waterblasting CHRIS TOLSON 021 755 017 Email: chris@tolsondecorators.co.nz Proudly supporting MWBuilders 03 528 0053 | 17 King Edward Street, Motueka 7120
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