A New Beginning

A New Beginning

As we approach the end of the year, I am penning what will possibly be one of my last InHouse articles as chair of the AST. In 2019 an ITAB Advisory will be established, which will be a joining up of the activities of ITAB and AST.

AST had its beginnings in the Far North nearly 20 years ago, where an apprentice was sleeping in his car because he couldn’t afford accommodation while at block course. Over the following two decades, hardship grants have provided financial and other support to dozens of apprentices, and for many this support enables them to carry on their training. For others the AST’s provision of Excellence Awards has rewarded an aspect of their training that set them apart from their peers, and the AST has been a key sponsor of the Carpentry Apprentice Challenge national finals.

In an economy that continues to be buoyant there are still hardships, and it’s pleasing to be part of the AST as we consider and approve funds to offset unpaid time at block courses, or travel and accommodation needs. These and other key activities of the trust will continue under the ITAB Advisory, as will many of the initiatives that enable the trusts activities to be done.

On 2 November, Phil Grimmer (Toi Ohomai Carpentry Manager) and I joined Grant and Shane from NZCB NSO as part of the annual Taupō Certified Golf day. The Taupō guys put on some great weather, an excellent event, and in an outcome that was completely above board, we managed to burgle third place. AST has long enjoyed some very good support from the Taupō association, and it was great to be involved them again this year.

We are watching with interest the outcome of the government’s review of the Polytechnic sector, with an announcement due in December. Undoubtedly this will result in some changes, but as a sector and industry we are used to that, and we will continue to strive for the best training and support that ensures a healthy future for construction in New Zealand.