Training Opportunities for Students

SCIRT bus will be back in Blenheim 20 and 21 February

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman wants Marlborough secondary schools to ensure students are aware of the job opportunities being presented by the Christchurch rebuild.

The size and scale of the rebuilding of the city is almost beyond our comprehension he said after leading a Marlborough business delegation to Christchurch last week.

“There seems to be a need at every level; from tilers and gib stoppers, plasterers and carpenters as well as surveyors, draftsmen and structural engineers, diesel engineers and those working in the regulatory processes. And there is going to be work there for years to come. So it’s important that students think about the training opportunities that might enable them to take part in the biggest single project this country has ever seen.”

Mr Sowman visited the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT), where more flexibility has been adopted into the format of courses as students are in such demand by employers they’re getting jobs before they have time to complete their course at the Polytech.

NMIT trades programme leader David White accompanied the Mayor.

Mr Sowman is keen to see NMIT working more closely with CPIT and for Marlborough people to consider the career paths available through this kind of tertiary training.

“Our young people in particular need to know that there is a once-in-a-lifetime chance here to be part of something huge. It could be the starting point for some very big careers.”

The Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) is responsible for restoring the horizontal infrastructure of Christchurch.

SCIRT manages the contracts with five companies (Fulton Hogan, Downer, Fletcher Construction, McConnell Dowell, City Care) rebuilding the city at ground level; restoring drainage and stormwater services, and roading. SCIRT is recruiting across the country for people who want to train for jobs in Christchurch.

Training packages, including a living allowance and guaranteed job, are available for successful applicants.

The SCIRT recruitment bus is due in Marlborough on Wednesday 20 February and Thursday 21 February. It will provide information and a chance to register for training.