This year, we again have had the privilege of participating in the Student Pathways programme at Saint Kentigern College, where we had the pleasure of hosting three of their Year 13 students, Joey Martin, Lewis Kenihan-Sackree and Sam Baird.
The students had the opportunity to work alongside our skilled senior builders, Sam Walia and William Cooper and their crews, chopping and changing between our country lifestyle new build in South Auckland and our double villa renovations in Freemans Bay. Their tasks included assisting with framing and learning about how a construction site works, and supporting the builders in various capacities. Throughout their time on site, the students had the chance to witness the collaboration between different trades, further enhancing their understanding of the construction process.
The Student Pathways programme, also known as Gateway, aims to provide Saint Kentigern College students with structured workplace learning opportunities. This programme is designed for students like Joey, Lewis and Sam, who all expressed an interest in exploring potential career paths. By allowing students to gain practical experience while still in school, the programme enables them to showcase their skills and potential as future employees. Driven by their interest in construction, the boys all committed to one day of work experience per week for a period of ten weeks.
Director Ben Lewis spoke highly of the students’ contribution, stating, “the boys are all learning fast and there will definitely be some hiring opportunities once the boys graduate from high school.” An old boy of St Kentigern himself, Ben enjoys giving back to the school that gave him so much opportunity when he was a student. “By being involved with the Student Pathways Programme and careers evenings, it’s nice to be able to give back and be proud of what I do and the business I have built.”
To ensure the quality of their work, it was assessed by BCITO (Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation). We plan to celebrate the conclusion of the boys’ work experience with a small gathering, where they can join the Lewis Build crew for drinks and nibbles. Ben explains, “The programme is again proving to be a tremendous success, and we look forward to the possibility of welcoming more students in the future.”
