The visit to Main Auto Centre, a one-stop hub for collision repair and automotive engineering in Auckland, offered rangatahi from the Get Ready Work Ready programme a valuable opportunity to experience the automotive industry up close. 

Led by Operations Manager Daniel Fyers, the tour offered hands-on experience in tasks like panel beating, sanding, and prep for spray painting. Rangatahi gained real insight into the industry, reinforcing how practical skills can be developed on the job. 

Main Auto Centre’s commitment to increasing Māori and Pacific representation in the automotive sector was a key focus, with a strong message that apprenticeships and career pathways are open to youth from all backgrounds. 

“Industry exposure like this is invaluable, it allows young people to connect their passion with real career opportunities,” said Darrell Lambert, Poumatua at Hanga-Aro-Rau. 

For many participants, the visit sparked genuine interest in automotive trades, highlighting the power of employer-led engagement in shaping future career choices.

Hanga-Aro-Rau Whanake Māori tīma and The Cause Collective (TCC) continued to inspire rangatahi through hands-on industry experiences, with a tour at D & H Steel, a leading steel fabrication company in West Auckland. Led by Dean Pouwhare, Māori Director and Operations Manager, and Cameron Rogers, Workshop Manager, the tour offered rangatahi valuable insights into the welding, fabrication, and robotics sectors. 

The whānau-driven culture at D & H Steel was evident, with a strong emphasis on people being at the heart of their success. The tour sparked interest among rangatahi, many of whom began exploring welding, fabrication, and robotics as potential career pathways. 

This collaboration exemplified the mana of industry-community partnerships in bridging the gap and empowering rangatahi to pursue rewarding careers in the trades. 

Rangatahi from The Cause Collective (TCC) Get Ready Work Ready Programme  toured Ray Glass Boats in Takanini, gaining firsthand experience of the boat-building industry. Led by Steve, the group explored Ray Glass’s state-of-the-art factory, where entire boats are built on-site. 

The tour highlighted how many boat-building roles align with construction skills such as carpentry, welding, and electrical work, offering a range of career opportunities. Ngā mihi nui to Joe from MAST Academy for facilitating the tour and inspiring rangatahi to consider careers in boat building—a modern take on the seafaring traditions of our tīpuna. 

This experience showed how heritage and innovation intersect, giving rangatahi valuable insights into how their pūkenga can shape the future of an industry that blends craftsmanship and technology.

The fifth of six tours for The Cause Collective (TCC) Get Ready Work Ready Programme was at Buckley Systems, a leading manufacturer of precision electromagnets in East Auckland. The visit opened the eyes of rangatahi to the vastness of the manufacturing sector, showcasing that it is not just traditional factory line work. 

The diversity within the business—from ethnicity to age and gender—was truly eye-opening. Buckley Systems proved to be a TARDIS of sorts, with endless areas to explore, including the coil shop, assembly, CNC machining, programming, and wire cutting. 

What impressed rangatahi most was discovering that Buckley Systems is a New Zealand brand with a strong export focus, sending products worldwide. This tour highlighted the exciting, innovative, and global nature of the manufacturing industry, offering rangatahi a fresh perspective on the diverse opportunities within this field.

The final tour of The Cause Collective (TCC) Get Ready Work Ready Programme for 2024, led by the Hanga-Aro-Rau Whanake Māori tīma, was to Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL), where rangatahi explored the diverse aspects of the logistics industry. 

From the commercial operations of Pacific Forum Line to the 3PL warehouse of Pacific Island Freight Station, rangatahi gained valuable insights into this dynamic sector. The opportunity to apply their pūkenga (skills) in logistics abroad, particularly in the Pacific Islands, was inspiring for those who dream of travel. 

What stood out most was NPDL’s commitment to giving back to the community through initiatives such as beach clean-ups, charity donations, and support for volcanic eruption victims. This strong focus on whanaungatanga resonated with rangatahi. 

The tour also provided an invaluable opportunity to kōrero directly with employers, gaining insights into what they look for in potential kaimahi and how rangatahi can stand out in a competitive job market.