For the owners of Select Electrical & Security, taking on a new apprentice with EarnLearn is a no-brainer.
Mark Girling, Managing Director of the Upper Hutt-based company, says regularly hiring new trainees brings benefits for both the business and the apprentices – along with other rewards that make it well worth doing. “It’s a chance to pass on your knowledge and hopefully have someone ready to step up when we’re done. Someone took a chance on me when I was starting out, so it’s good to give that same opportunity to someone else,” says Mark, an electrician with nearly 20 years’ experience.
“Our apprentices help us out a lot in the business and we help them through their training – but they also keep us young and up to speed with what’s happening in the industry. Without that, it would be easy to end up stagnated and doing things the same old way.”
Many of the EarnLearn apprentices that have completed their New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Trade (Level 4) General Electrical while working at Select Electrical have stayed on, joining the company’s now team of eight. That includes three current apprentices – one who is close to completion, and two in their second year of training with EarnLearn. “We’ve had the odd gap, but our goal is to take on a new apprentice every year”, says Mark. “The whole team pitches in to help and pass on their experience – not just on the tools, but in life too.”
That kind of support can be particularly important for younger apprentices straight out of school, says Mark. “They’ll often find someone on the team who they’ll go to for advice, and it’s not always work advice.” Marks says the ongoing backing from EarnLearn for both employers and apprentices is a big part of ensuring a successful outcome for all parties.
‘Our EarnLearn Account Manager Shannon is really good. She always keeps in contact with us and lets us know how our apprentices are doing. “She’s great with the young guys, too. If someone is struggling with parts of the curriculum, Shannon guides them through and shows them the right avenues to go down to find a solution, so they stay on track and don’t go off all guns blazing!”
When it comes to hiring apprentices, Mark’s advice to other tradie employers is to look for someone motivated, with enough confidence to speak up and ask questions.
“Being an apprentice can be hard, especially straight out of school, so it’s good to have somebody that just has that little bit of confidence in them.” Mark’s final word to employers: “If you can take on an apprentice through EarnLearn, do it. You’ll help someone start their career, build skills for your business, and invest in the future of the industry. Everyone wins.”
Supporting Apprentices to Succeed
“The best thing about this job is the end result.”
For Shannon Thomason-Tata, seeing trainees succeed and gain their qualifications is the most fulfilling part of her role as an EarnLearn Account Manager.
EarnLearn is an industry training provider that delivers flexible, highquality apprenticeship training for specialist trades including Electrical, Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying, and Scaffolding.
Based in Wellington, Shannon has spent the last two and half years supporting apprentices across these trades – guiding them through every stage of their training and keeping them on track towards qualification. She is one of 50 EarnLearn Account Managers located around Aotearoa New Zealand who provide regular, hands-on support to trainees and employers in their local areas.
“As Account Managers our job is to be the intermediary between the trainees and everything else related to them succeeding in their training,” Shannon says. “A typical day usually means going around to catch up with trainees onsite. We go through how they’re progressing through their qualification and give them advice to help them get past anything they’re stuck on. “If they’re struggling with something in particular, we can point them in the right direction or connect them to the right person who will be able to assist.” That can even include connecting trainees to numeracy and literacy support, or free counselling services via Vitae.
“We aim to meet with employers a minimum of twice a year and we see trainees face-to-face about every eight weeks, though we’re always available on the phone if they need anything or have questions. “A big part of my job is about relationship building. This job is about getting to know them and working out how to make sure they’re comfortable with you, and with the different parts of their training.
“You often build quite a tight-knit relationship. That makes it even more satisfying when you see them succeed and you know you’ve helped.”
Shannon says an apprenticeship means trainees can earn an income while gaining hands-on experience and working toward a recognised qualification. “That really opens doors. They’re making connections and learning skills on the job that all count toward that qualification – and they don’t come out of it with a student loan.”
To those considering an EarnLearn specialist trades apprenticeship Shannon is upfront about the commitment that’s involved.
“It’s full-time work and you’re studying at the same time, so it’s not an easy ride”, she says. “But there are people there, like your EarnLearn Account Manager, to help you every step of the way.”