Try-a-Trade continues to open doors for adults looking for a new direction as Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa and the Ministry of Social Development partner to offer the programme with Whitireia and WelTec.
The seven-week series offers hands-on experience in mechanical engineering, plastering, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, painting, and electrical trades, giving participants a real taste of what each pathway can offer.
The power of the programme is evident in the inspiring journey of Maraea Pihama, who credits Try-a-Trade with helping transform her future. Maraea, was working in the hospitality industry, knew that wasn’t her long-term plan but wasn’t sure what her next steps should be. Now she is enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Level 3 at Whitireia and WelTec.
“I started thinking about the possibility of working in a trade when I spoke to family members who are in the trades themselves. I wasn’t sure I was up for it but then I gave Try-a-Trade a go and it clicked. I did a few of the sessions and of all the trades I tried, plumbing is what grabbed my interest. The thing that Try-a-Trade showed me was that plumbing is not just about fixing toilets. There are so many outcomes if you are willing to work hard for it.”
Maraea says the chance to try a range of trades was invaluable: “The knowledge you gain and the challenges you can learn from are huge. It was awesome to have the opportunity to try a number of these trades a bit more in-depth to work out what interested me the most, because sometimes it is hard to tell what it will actually be like when you are looking from the outside.”
Maraea Pihama, Try-a-Trade participant and Whitireia and WelTec ākonga.
Maraea received the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship (MPTT) which is a government-funded scholarship to cover full fees and course-related costs. MPTT ākonga also receive a range of support from the Whitireia and WelTec Tamaiti Whāngai (Māori support) team who provide mentoring, goal setting, pastoral and cultural support, as well as dedicated job brokers who help ākonga find work in the industry. Ākonga can also gain essential qualifications such as a driver’s license through support from Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa Driver Licence Support programme.
Maraea also highlights the value of the different teaching styles, saying, “The tutors are really supportive and know that we don’t all learn the same way. Some students are visual learners, some are hands-on. That really helps. I am a hands-on learner. I am quicker to learn something if I’m shown rather than told. I really struggled at college, and I think it was largely because the style of teaching just didn’t work for me.”
Hinemoa Priest, Kaiwhakahaere Nga Ara Me te Tautoko, says the Try-a-Trade programme is about more than just learning practical skills, they’re about opening doors.
"For many of our ākonga, this is the first time they've been able to explore different learning pathways in a way that feels real and achievable," says Hinemoa. “These programmes help learners discover their strengths in a space where they feel supported and encouraged. They don’t just build skills; they build confidence in who they are and what they’re capable of.”
Cody Thomas, Plumbing Tutor at Whitireia and WelTec, says Maraea’s journey has been inspiring to watch from the very beginning.
“Maraea brings energy and commitment into the workshop every day,” says Cody. “It’s been incredible to see her progress in such a short time. Her journey shows what’s possible when someone finds the right environment to learn in.”
Whitireia and WelTec through their MoA with Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa have been able to provide both Try-a-Trade and Try-a-Tech initiatives. These programmes are more than just a taster—they are a launchpad for new beginnings, offering practical skills, real-world insights, and a supportive community for those ready to take the next step.
For more information about Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT)
For more information about New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying
New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3) | Whitireia and WelTec
Try-a-Trade | What you will learn
Designed to prepare you for an apprenticeship. Train in our workshops and drainlaying pit. Learn how to use and maintain plumbing tools and equipment. You’ll identify basic methods for safely performing entry-level plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying tasks under professional supervision.
Try-a-Tech | What you will learn
Designed to develop foundational skills and knowledge in IT and to give participants a taste of what the different aspects of IT training might be like, including computer hardware, networking, mobile app and game development, graphics programming, photoshop, storyboarding and wireframing.
