Apprenticeship scheme tackles skills shortage
The roading industry in New Zealand, along with many other industries, is experiencing a shortage of skilled personnel.
An apprenticeship programme in the Waikato District is playing its part to address this skills shortage following the graduation of its first intake last month.
A partnership between Downer, Waikato Tainui and the Ministry of Social Development has resulted in 10 previously unemployed members of the community gaining a qualification and employment.
The Downer Basics Civil Apprenticeship Programme aims to attract capable people into the industry and give them career pathways along with industry qualifications.
The programme is designed to give graduates a clearly defined career path and is supplemented with studies and linked to a national qualification.
The intention is for Waikato District Alliance to run the programme annually.
Congratulations to this first graduate intake.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Wild weather in the Waikato
The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.
While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.
We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?
Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.
Starting gun sounds for housing on Te Rapa Racecourse land with re-zoning
Hamilton City councillors have signed off on a plan change that could see Te Rapa Racecourse swap stables for townhouses.
The deputy mayor says this paves the way for “basically creating a new suburb within the city”.
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