Suppliers and employers hungry for Ara Carpentry Brekky

_{Ara apprentices and current learners enjoyed a BBQ brekky and giveaways}

Ara has brought the popular Tradie Breakfast concept back to its Woolston campus, with new apprentices and current learners taking the chance to get hands on with top gear. More than a dozen key suppliers brought a range of product lines to the event, with students enjoying a hot breakfast and plenty of banter while checking out tools and equipment.

Sponsored by Mitre 10 Trade Papanui, the event was also open to employers who used the opportunity to see behind the scenes at Ara and catch up with tutors face to face.

Builderz Limited owner Simon McRae, who has employed a number of Ara apprentices over the past decade, said it was good to be the one doing a site visit for a change.

“There is no way I would take an apprentice through anyone but Ara because they’re so well supported on site and for their block courses. It’s been good to catch up with the assessors and see the facilities here for myself.”

Ara Industry Based Learning Manager James Swailes said the breakfast aimed to strengthen connections for apprentices and welcome industry in.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we do, our track record in industry and the success of our learners. It’s been great to throw open the door to industry, suppliers and employers so they can see the lie of the land for our learners here and meet some of our team.”

Mitre 10 Trade account manager Chris Quigley said the breakfast built on their longstanding relationship with Ara, which often sees the team keeping BBQs humming and prizes flowing at expos and events. Mitre 10 also supplies materials for onsite builds and helped develop tool lists for orientation evenings and new apprentices.

“Having high quality tools from the start is not just about building your kit. It is about instilling confidence, precision and a professional mindset so when they go out into the industry they’ll work efficiently and have the right tools to get the job done,” Quigley said.

New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 3) learner Tyson Walsh said he enjoyed trying out new tools at the event. “It was good to see them and have a go for myself. I just need to get my parents to help me out with some funding now,” he said.

Milwaukee’s Brendan Johnson, who spent 22 years on the tools, said the hands on element of the event was what young apprentices found most valuable. “Decision number one is what trade you are going into, but the second big call is what platform or line of tools you want to run with. Tradies are hands on people. This gives them a chance to get hands on, see how the tools suit them and talk to people who have used them in the real world.”

Like many Tradie breakfasts, the event included games, challenges and spot prizes. Learners were encouraged to approach suppliers with a question and went into a prize draw if they collected answers from a set list.

Brad Gibbons from Hobeca who brought Taurus products to the event said the quick-fire challenge was a great idea to help students step forward.

“Many up-and-coming tradies are confident with tools but less confident starting conversations, so that was a good way for them to practise while talking about something they enjoy. It could even spark interest in supply side careers and help them start building a network,” he said.

Swailes said after the success of the event there was an appetite to expand the concept.

“This is the first event I have been involved in as Ara’s Industry Based Learning Manager but it’s been really positive. We’ll look to replicate it across engineering and joinery trades so watch this space.”

"We're grateful to The Tool Shed, DeWalt, Makita, Stoney Creek, Taurus, Tool Ware, Bosch, Paslode, Lead Head and Milwaukee for being here. Connection is what it is all about,” he said.

_{Some of the spot prizes handed out during the event with thanks to Mitre 10, Stoney Creek and Makita}