Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Good evening.
I want to warmly welcome everyone to the Wellington Town Hall for this very special occasion - the Wellington region Industry Training Graduation ceremony.
It is a pleasure to stand before you tonight and say a few words on behalf of all the mayors from the Wellington region.
To the apprentices and industry trainees who are graduating, we say congratulations and well done. Tonight is a celebration of your achievements as well as recognition of your hard work and commitment.
You should all be very proud by what you have achieved. All of you set a goal and persevered through to the end. It has required a huge commitment in terms of time, money and energy. And today you have something special to show for it.
You have set a wonderful example for others who are thinking of learning a trade or going on to some form of tertiary education. Your graduation will be a source of encouragement for them to follow your path to success.
You should also be very excited by what the future offers. Skilled trade workers are in great demand and the opportunities are endless for those willing to work hard.
There’s plenty of work and good money to be made, which I recently discovered when I had my kitchen renovated! As well there is the chance further down the track to start your own business.
I hope it is in your plans to stay in the Wellington region and apply the skills you have learned.
Whether as builders, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, or working in industries from hospitality and recreation to retail and sport, you have an important role to play in creating a bright economic future for the region, indeed New Zealand.
Councils have recognised this and are working with industry training organisations, polytechnics, government agencies, schools and employers to encourage and help people into the trades.
One such example is Hutt City’s TradeStart. Run by Council in partnership with Work and Income, it is an easy accessible point of contact for anyone wanting to investigate the possibility of working in any industry or profession that requires on-going training either on site or in conjunction with an ITO or training provider.
Since TradeStart’s inception in 2005, thousands have come through its doors, with manager Ron Daly and his team having made nearly 700 referrals – a great result.
TradeStart and other initiatives continue to raise the profile of and increase participation in the trades, which is fantastic.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to acknowledge and thank the families and friends for their support of those graduating tonight. You must be so very pleased and proud of their achievements.
I also wish to recognise the teachers, trainers and employers for passing on their skills and knowledge. Going back to my kitchen, it was great to see apprentices learning the ropes under the watchful gaze of experienced tradesmen.
In finishing, I want to again congratulate you, the graduates, and wish you all the best for the future. Our region is extremely proud of you.