Getting The Tools For An Independent Career

Joshua started out small – microscopically small, in fact. After high school in Dunedin, he wasn’t sure whether to go to university or take his woodworking hobby further in the trades.

“I had the grades for university, so I decided to study microbiology. But when I graduated, I didn’t see a future in it. I love being hands-on,” he explains.

So, he applied for a job at Otago building and timber joinery firm Stevenson and Williams, and his obvious talent and attention to detail made him a clear winner. While he’s currently making and installing kitchens in his day job, Joshua also has a side gig making his own furniture. An intricate “beehive table” made of hexagon-shaped pieces sits in his bedroom, and he jokes about trying an octagonal version next.

However, it took a lot of effort as he didn’t have the right tools.

“I sort of cheated in a few areas to make it,” Joshua admits. “Winning the tools grant, I’ve now been able to buy all the smaller bits and pieces that are important, which you don’t have when you’re starting out. It gets annoying having to borrow those all the time, even down to a screw tray – this just makes it so much easier to learn.”

Carpentry apprentice Hayden agrees. He’d been using tools that his boss Peta Taukiri at Waikato’s P T Building and Construction had given him.

“I can’t imagine how hard it would have been not having these tools,” he says. “Now, this grant has given me more independence.”

At the other end of the scale from Joshua, Hayden’s current favourite project is a spectacular new home build near Te Awamutu, featuring a circular design, although he’s also done cabins and decks.

As well as enjoying the challenge of building and working in what he calls “an awesome environment”, he loves being part of a team, working closely alongside his boss, his colleagues and his BCITO Training Advisor, Brendon Bell.

“I work with a good bunch of people – although builders generally are good people,” he says. “Getting the confidence to apply for my apprenticeship was tough, but Brendon’s a really genuine fella. He’s been really helpful with my training too.”

Now they literally have the tools to get going, both apprentices dream of one day having their own business.

“Doing a joinery apprenticeship and working where I do gives me the skills to be independent and maybe go into furniture-making down the line,” says Joshua.

Hayden is grateful for the discipline he’s learned through his apprenticeship.

“The trades give you a great work ethic, learning to show up on time. In the meantime, I’m learning as much as I can.”

Whether your passion is detailed timber joinery, crafting designer kitchens or country mansions, BCITO is keen to help more apprentices get their start through a tools grant. Every year we have 30 to give away, worth $1,000 each. To find out when the next round opens, email hello@bcito.org.nz.