Carpentry apprentice Jiecong Feng is ‘unreal’ at his job according to supervisor Anthony Campbell from Legacy Construction.
“He can do everything like concreting, internal lining work or running a small crew. ?He is very capable and positive with a great attitude,” says the site manager.
Jiecong Feng is enjoying his job with Legacy Construction
Mr Feng started at MIT with an electrical course and then changed two years ago to do the Managed Apprenticeship – New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry level 4.
He says the teachers at MIT are very good. “I’ve learned about residential and commercial development which is a very different story.”
Mr Feng is on course to complete his qualification this year and in the meantime, he will continue in his full-time, permanent job with the company.
A managed apprenticeship is for trainees already working in the industry who want to become qualified in their trade. The three-year course allows apprentices to learn all the required aspects of being a carpenter.
While they continue their work in the industry, the apprentices come to TechPark in Manukau one night a week for ten-week blocks to refine the theoretical and practical aspects of their trade.
As the construction industry downturn continues, it’s the breadth of practical skills learned at MIT along with a great attitude that stands out for employers says Vau Atonio, Head of the Building and Civil Construction School.
“We’ve got great facilities here at TechPark to teach a wide range of skills that they may not learn in their jobs,” he says.
“The industry has changed with companies specialising more than ever. That means apprentices may not get the opportunity to learn all the aspects of the industry at one company, but they will with us. They will do everything from lathing, framing, interior lining through to making concrete slabs.”
“The other thing is that while we have modern, cutting-edge facilities at TechPark, all our teachers have years of experience across all the various disciplines.”
“Attitude and being ready to work is really important. The feedback that we’re getting about our students is that they’re going out work-ready. They’re going out there and flying the MIT flag proudly by being confident, reliable guys who turn up on time.”
MIT takes a complete view of the apprentice ensuring they have the skills and support they need to thrive in their industry of choice.
This can make the difference when the employment market gets tight.
“People that work hard and have good skills are the ones that are placed really well to retain their jobs during this period. Employers aren’t even blinking an eye when it comes to thinking about keeping them on. It’s really heartening to hear employers talk well about our students.”
“It’s also exciting to see the career developments of the students. Some of them are great on the tools; some are better at leading people or leading projects.”
Employers in the construction industry who would like to talk to MIT about having an apprentice work with them should contact Maureen Prasad on maureen.prasad@manukau.ac.nz,
