Opening their West Auckland plant to students to host a Competenz Discovery Tour during August’s national Got a Trade Week proved a good way for award-winning winemaker Matua Valley Wines to help young people learn about a career in their industry and connect with a potential future workforce.

Matua winemaker Nikolai St George who led the tour says the company was pleased to host the students and help them learn about the career opportunities available to them.

“I can remember being in the situation these students are in, and I know that getting the right careers advice early on is really important,” says Nikolai. “It gives you direction and something to work towards – and that’s motivating. Employers and schools need to do more of this.”

Students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori a Rohe in Mangere, Auckland were among those attending the tour.

“Today was a great experience,” says student Ruhia Henare-Samuels. “I learnt the whole cycle of how wine is made and how it is put into bottles. I’d like to thank the staff at Matua for having me on this taster day.”

Got a Trade Week was also a chance for students and jobseekers to hear from current learners, including apprentices, who are enjoying the benefits of training on-the job in their chosen trade. Trainees earn while they learn and finish their training with a job in their chosen field – not looking for one. They also gain practical skills they can use from day one and qualifications that are recognised by employers across New Zealand.

Competenz customer Matua joined 18 other companies around the country in generously opening their doors to host a Competenz Discovery Tour.