From Paralympian To Painter
Transitioning from a successful career in sports to the trades, BCITO apprentice Nikita Howarth has shown remarkable resilience and determination. Growing up in Cambridge, Nikita was New Zealand’s youngest Paralympian. Born with congenital dysmelia, with no right hand and a left arm that ends below the elbow, she was a water baby right from the start. Taking up swimming at age three, she dedicated 12 years to para-swimming and para-cycling, with a career topped by a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio and three World Championship golds as well.
However, being an elite sportsperson is an incredibly intense and demanding lifestyle. By 2022, Nikita was ready for a change; a regular day job that enabled her to have a life beyond training. It wasn’t a straightforward task.
A local employment agency helped Nikita secure a job, but budget cuts saw this fall through after just a few months. After another six frustrating months trying to find another role, getting knocked back without interviews, Nikita sought help from an employment agency, who helped her land a trial position as a painter with Hamilton based painting company, Cantec.
"I wanted to find something I could do without my hands, and painting seemed like a good fit," says Nikita.
Her employer thought so too. Only three weeks into her trial, boss Brendon Mclean offered her a permanent job. After six weeks, he offered her a BCITO apprenticeship in painting and decorating. It was the perfect opportunity for someone with Nikita’s drive to show exactly what she could do.
“Most of my family work in the trades, so it’s a familiar industry,” she says. “When Brendan offered me the apprenticeship, I decided to give it a go and see how it went, and Brendan and the team have been very helpful, ensuring I have what I need to succeed.”
Nikita is able to do most things with just her arms, although a roller does require a prosthetic. Even the work involved in a BCITO apprenticeship feels like a breeze compared with her earlier career.
"It's not stressful and doesn’t take up heaps of my time, which is great as I’m just starting out," she explains.
Looking to the future, Nikita aims to become a qualified painter – and from there, who knows where she might go?
"My goal is to become fully qualified and then explore what’s out there," she says.
She encourages others to take the plunge into new careers, stating, "Go for it! The only thing holding you back is yourself. If you don’t know something, you’ve got the chance to learn."
Nikita Howarth's journey highlights that the trades have opportunities for anyone. Her story is an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Aotearoa, New Zealand needs more people from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in the trades. BCITO offers the resources and support to help individuals enhance and refine their skills. To learn more, visit BCITO.
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