Frank Flohr, Manager of First Choice Decorators Limited is employing two WelTec painting and decorating graduates and sending them off to Christchurch next week to assist with the rebuild effort.
They are Josh McHugh from Raumati South and Aukilani Koeplani from Naenae.
“We have a lot of work on the go in Christchurch and we need skilled people who have undertaken pre-trade training and who can start work immediately,” says Frank Flohr.
“We are painting around 5 or 6 houses a week and have been down in Christchurch since February 2012. We are keen to provide ongoing training and support so that Josh and Aukilani achieve their training goals while providing them with work through our Christchurch operation.”
“This is a great opportunity for our graduates and shows that they have the skills employers want,” says WelTec’s Head of Construction, Neil McDonald. Neil led a team from WelTec who visited Christchurch last week meeting with a number of employers who are looking for pre-trade qualified staff.
“After talking with Christchurch employers it’s clear there are jobs in the building and construction industry. The wet trades are in particularly high demand. These are jobs which require people skilled in brick, blocklaying, and tiling; painting and decorating; and other trades such as carpentry. Wellington and Christchurch need to work together to meet the demand for tradespeople in Christchurch in the rebuild effort. As a major provider of skilled trades graduates we are well positioned to supply this demand which is going to accelerate dramatically in the coming few months and which is forecast to continue for 5 to 10 years” says WelTec’s Head of Construction Neil McDonald.
Josh McHugh says “I learnt a lot from the tutors at WelTec. Nigel Phillipson and John John Knol were my mentors throughout my studies and they’ll continue to help me with my National Certificate in Painting which I’ll be studying while I’m in Christchurch. The opportunity to get a permanent job is great and I’m very appreciative of WelTec and First Choice Decorators for making this happen.”
