Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
2 minutes ago
A shared goal of starting a whānau business has brought two uncles and their niece to EIT, where they are training to become electricians.
Maihi Joe, 38, his younger brother Whakawhitira Joe, 28, and their niece Michelle Robinson, 17 (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahu) recently completed the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3). Their next step is to begin apprenticeships, where they’ll work toward becoming fully qualified electricians through a combination of on-the-job experience and off-job training.
Whakawhitira Joe (left), Michelle Robinson and Maihi Joe recently completed the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) at EIT and are now working towards starting a whānau electrical business.
Their decision to enrol followed conversations with another brother, now a qualified electrician and graduate of the same programme, who plans to join them in the whānau business.
“We just thought it made sense to go through it together and build something as a whānau,” Maihi said.
All three students were supported by the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training scholarship, Te Ara o Tākitimu. The initiative removes financial barriers for students by covering their course fees and providing travel allowances and a $500 ‘Mahi Kickstart’ payment to support their transition into work. Scholarship recipients are also supported by a dedicated team, including a success navigator and work broker, throughout their study.
Michelle, the youngest in the group, began her electrical training while still in high school through EIT’s Trades Academy. “That really gave me a head start,” she said. “Now I’m studying alongside my uncles, which has been a great experience.”
She said having other women in the class also made a difference. “It was nice having other girls in the class. It made the environment feel more balanced.”
Whakawhitira came into the programme with no prior experience in the field. “I didn’t know anything about it when I started, but it’s been good,” he said. “It’s hands-on, and you learn a lot.”
Maihi, who returned to study after more than 20 years in the workforce, had worked for seven years managing a department at Tumu Timbers. He said it was time for a change, and the transition into study was smoother than expected.
“It’s my first time doing tertiary study, and I’ve really enjoyed it. The way the course is set up just works. It made it easier to get back into learning. I actually thrived in it.”
The New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade Level 3 course offers a balance of theory and practice, which provides a solid foundation in both areas. “We’d learn the theory, then apply it straight away in the practical sessions,” Maihi said.
Now preparing to begin their apprenticeships, the trio are focused on setting up a reliable business that reflects their values.
“Being a homeowner myself, I know how hard it is to find an electrician when you need one and to know what the cost will be,” Maihi said.
“We want to change that. We want to be the kind of electricians people can count on.”
EIT Te Ara o Tākitimu Kaiwhakarite Mahi (Work Broker) Claire Hodson said Maihi, Whakawhitira and Michelle stood as shining examples, not only to their fellow scholarship recipients but to their classmates as a whole.
“While these outstanding ākonga each forged their own unique path, it was a privilege to have them as part of our wider Te Ara o Tākitimu kaupapa. We look forward to drawing on their expertise, work ethic, and professionalism to inspire and uplift future recipients of the scholarship.”