Deina has just graduated from Link Alliance’s final Progressive Employment Programme (PEP), a 16-week training course expertly designed to help Māori and Pasifika youth prepare for the world of work. The programme – which includes mentorship, internship opportunities, life skills and Te Ao Māori development - has been running for five years, and in that time 43 rangatahi have reaped the benefits, gaining a taste of life in the construction sector and building the skills they need to thrive.

“I grew up around construction. My family did a bit of building here and there and my grandad is builder. He taught me how to build simple things and sparked my interest in the industry,” says Deina, who completed her PEP internship as a Health and Safety Assistant.

“When I was 7 or 8 my grandad helped me build a dog house, and I’ve wanted to work in construction ever since. This programme is my gateway to a career in the industry.” 

The PEP took Deina’s childhood passion to the next level, broadening her horizons and opening her eyes to the raft of exciting opportunities the sector offers.

“I didn’t realise there were so many different roles in construction. I used to think I just wanted to do labouring work, but now I’m really keen on Health and Safety! I’ve loved learning about all the different jobs you can do, and getting out onsite. This programme has definitely cemented the fact that I want to pursue a career in the industry.”

The programme has also equipped Deina with a toolbox of skills vital to employment success. As part of the PEP programme, every two weeks participants head off job and into the classroom, where Education Unlimited trainer Thomas Taiaroa has built their confidence through the bespoke Ka Ora programme, and boosted their digital literacy and financial smarts  through the delivery of Money Confidence and Life Online micro credentials.

“I especially loved the Money Confidence training – that part really helped me a lot. Until now it has been really hard for me to save money because every time I get a paycheck I just spend it all. But Thomas taught us about the importance of having a goal to save for and how to be more in control of our money. Now I’m saving for a car!”

Deina says growing her digital capability was another big win.

“I learnt so many useful skills such as how to use Google sheets and Google calendar. If I end up working in office-based roles these skills will be very handy.”

There’s no doubt that digital skills and money smarts go a long way in laying future foundations – but perhaps even more importantly is the added confidence students gained.

“I was initially so shy about starting a new programme, but now I can talk in front of people and even do presentations. The course really built my confidence.”

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Now Deina plans to use her newfound confidence and skills to land a great job, and already Link Alliance has submitted her CV to Fulton Hogan. It would be a dream come true for the hardworking 19-year-old.

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“My grandad is pretty happy about it too!”