Welding success: Pacific tradesperson contributes to change in NZ steel industry

An Auckland-based Pacific tradesperson is making waves in the steel industry, highlighting the growing opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, and logistics (MEL) for Pacific people.

JP Engineering Services recently celebrated a double success in apprenticeships, recognising two employees who completed their qualifications in steel fabrication and took on pivotal roles at the Onehunga-based firm.

Pacific representation in engineering has been on the rise. Hanga-Aro-Rau, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics Workforce Development Council (WDC), reported an increase in Pasifika in the sector from 3280 in 2015 to 5400 in 2022.

For 29-year-old Tuvaluan fabricator Vaitai “Tai” Sakaio, one of the graduates, welding was an irresistible calling.

But, Sakaio faced significant personal challenges due to his mother’s battle with breast cancer, which deeply affected his performance at work.

He credits his boss, John Power, for providing unwavering support during this difficult time.

“I knew I wasn’t performing my best at work, and I almost left the company, but fortunately, I had plenty of words of wisdom and support from [Mentor John Power].”

Power encouraged Sakaio to upskill, teaching him valuable life lessons.

Over the last two years of his apprenticeship, Power set deadlines to keep Sakaio focussed and motivated.

“That’s what helped push me through to the end; that’s what motivated me to stop mucking around and complete my apprenticeship,” Saikaio says.

“It means a lot to me and my family - this was our achievement.”

Qualifying as a fabricator typically takes three to four years, requiring around 8000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices usually earn between $28 and $30 per hour, with qualified professionals averaging an annual salary of $90,000 to $110,000.

Although Pacific people are overrepresented in the steel industry, making up 10 per cent of the workforce in 2018, surpassing their seven per cent share of total employment in Aotearoa, they are primarily employed in lower-skilled positions.

In 2018, 33 per cent of Pacific workers in the steel industry were technicians and trades workers, while 45 per cent worked as machinery operators, drivers or labourers, with only 11 per cent in high-skilled roles such as managers or professionals.

The WDC estimated in a two-year-old report that New Zealand would face a shortfall of 40,000 manufacturing and engineering workers by 2028, prompting action plans aimed at addressing this shortage through Pacific workers.

Power says that JP Engineering invests in staff training to help boost job satisfaction, productivity, and staff retention. The company had seven learners in training last year and currently has five active apprentices, ensuring “a steady flow of apprentices and a strong culture of success”.

“Our client base has grown along with the business, and so too has our reputation.”

Pacific peoples predominantly employed in lower-skilled positions in the steel industries. Photo /Unsplash

Saikaio also acknowledges the support from Competenz and advisers like William Malloy, who has a background in sheet metal, and was quick to answer Sakaio’s questions.

Malloy expressed his pride in supporting both Saikaio and the second Mt Albert-based graduate, Sam McLean, and looks forward to seeing them thrive in their industry.

“It’s an awesome achievement for Sam and Tai to complete their apprenticeships, and it’s especially cool to see Tai, one of our Pacific Island learners, thriving in the trades,” Malloy says.

“They both have very bright futures in the industry – I can see them being successful in whatever direction they head in.

“Two more learners had already signed up before Sam and Tai completed their apprenticeships. And another is set to start in early 2025, too.”