-Rebecca Reed

It’s the same old story for every business, particularly those in the manufacturing sector…how do you fill the shortage of tradespeople and find the right workers for the job?

The lack of skilled workers in Aotearoa has only intensified since Covid, with employers battling to attract and retain talent to keep up with their workflow demands.

In the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce recent Business Confidence Survey at the end of 2021, 56% of employers in the region said they were struggling for talent.

Chief Executive, Patrick McKibbin, has been a long admirer of an innovative model born out of the Hawkes Bay that has become a real success story in attracting and retaining young talent.

This model was the brainchild of engineering employer, Patton Engineering. After struggling to find and attract the right workers, particularly apprentices, Patton Engineering decided to do something about it themselves.

In 2018, Patton Engineering partnered with Hastings Boys’ High School to create a model to support students towards a pathway into engineering that could be rolled out nationwide. To realise this vision, they focused on secondary students who were undertaking trades training as part of their technology class.

Machinery, materials, and gear were provided to the school through sponsorships, grants, and donations. Patton Engineering also engaged their suppliers, like Steel and Tube, to provide the school with materials at the same cost it sells to Patton. This Steel and Tube deal is now available to all schools across New Zealand.

How exactly does the model work? Essentially Patton Engineering, and now another 31 employers working with the school, provide work experiences through the year and then get to see and select the future employees for their business.

For the business this has a fantastic ROI with lower cost to recruit, lower churn of staff, and increased loyalty and retention.

In the case of Patton Engineering, they have removed the risk of employing a young person that might not be a fit for their business or might not like the work they have taken on. In fact, they have improved their apprenticeship retention to close to 100% in the last 3 years.

Selected students are then offered an apprenticeship at Patton Engineering when they finish school, explains Managing Director Johno Williams (pictured).

“We wanted to show them that trades, and particular engineering trades, are a great option. They can leave school at 17, walk straight into a job and start earning. It’s also an opportunity for employers to ‘try before they buy’ by offering work experience so they know they are investing in people who truly want to be there.

“We know that when these kids finish school and come to us or other employers, we have confidence in their ability because we are recognising their talents early on.

“We are selective on who we’re bringing into the company, as we’re looking to these students to be our future leaders. This is going to set them up for the rest of their life if they’re the ones chosen to get an apprenticeship.

“By testing at our workshop every two weeks, we’re effectively trailing before we buy. We know that when these kids finish at school and come to us or other employers, we have confidence in their ability and can put them straight into basic fabrication with our team. We’re now getting to recognise these talents directly out of school. And, unless you’re getting into the school, talking to the teachers, you won’t see that, you won’t know that.”

Williams believes the industry has a moral obligation to give back to the community and the trades sector.

“It is imperative we make the investment and build a more skilful environment. If we don’t, then we’ll be wailing again in 12 months’ time that we can’t get apprentices and subsequent tradespeople into our companies.

The success of this model inspired Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Patrick McKibbin to bring together local businesses, secondary schools, government, and council representatives to hear the Patton Engineering story at an event hosted by Hutt Valley High School this month. 

In the picture: Denise Johnson, Principal – Hutt Valley High School; Salla Delport Head of Department for Technology  for Hastings Boys High School; Johno Williams, Managing Director – Patton Engineering; Patrick Mckibbin – Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO.

“The combined strength of schools and employers working together ensures that students are work ready, have a great attitude towards work, and understand what is required of them. Patton’s model is a fantastic example of companies from all sectors of the trade industry working together to provide apprenticeships and opportunities for high paid and sustainable employment.”

The feedback from Hutt Valley business owners has been positive with many keen to get involved if a scheme like this was started in the region

“What Patton Engineering and Hastings Boys High School have been able to achieve in such a short time, is truly impressive. The journey so far has gained momentum with other employers too, which can only add benefit to the students and themselves.

“For any scheme to operate in the Hutt Valley, will take the focus and determination of the Educators to work alongside prospective employers – we will definitely be one of those employers!” says Terry Carter GM off NZ Tube Mills in Lower Hutt.

Amanda Walters, Hutt Valley Education to Employment Vocational Coordinator for the Chamber says secondary schools who attended the event are also convinced it’s a great model and badly needed in the region.

“I have several visits to employers organised for Careers staff for 2022, as consistent feedback that I get from employers is that students are not prepared enough, or have a good enough understanding, of their industry when they leave school.

If I can get the Careers staff to understand the minimum requirements that an employer needs or have a better understanding of the role that an employer has available, they will instil this into their students.”

Kerry Weston, Careers Advisor for Upper Hutt College, who attended the event is also positive about the model.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to hear about a partnership between a school and industry that is working really well and providing such great opportunities for students.  It is an inspiration to all schools to explore different options to allow students to explore vocational education options.”

For a model like this to succeed, everyone needs to be on board and come to the party, says Chamber CEO Patrick McKibbin.

“We are committed to working with our local businesses and secondary schools to achieve something like this in the Hutt Valley. It’s a fantastic model because everyone wins – the employers gain workers that truly want to be there, the student has a fantastic career pathway set and the local economy benefits. The opportunities are endless.”