New partnership to bolster construction industry and housing supply in Marlborough

Both parties have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their partnership that will support the development of the academy, to enable local students to gain new skills and kick start careers in the construction industry.

The new construction academy is scheduled to be up and running in 2023.

Queen Charlotte College Principal, Betty Whyte, says the academy will provide a potential career option for students once they graduate.

"The new construction academy will provide our students with a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience under the guidance of college staff and registered builders.

"This will provide them with a viable pathway to entering the construction industry, where new staff are currently in hot demand, and to begin a meaningful career," says Ms Whyte.

Kāinga Ora is supporting the establishment of the academy as a principal partner, providing expertise, coordinating sponsorships for the project and connecting the college with key organisations in the region’s construction industry.

"We recognise the need for more housing in Marlborough and this new partnership will contribute to this by boosting the construction workforce and building resilience in the region’s trades," says Kāinga Ora Regional Director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, Julia Campbell.

"It’s hoped that the work of the students will eventually result in modern, warm and dry relocatable homes that can eventually house whānau in need in Marlborough."

Another key partner of the project is the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce through their Ministry of Social Development-funded education-to-employment broker, Chris Shaw.

Marlborough Chamber Chief Executive, Pete Coldwell, says that through the service, the Chamber builds relationships with businesses and schools to create opportunities for school leavers to transition into higher education, training or employment in the region.

"We’re over the moon to be able to support this new venture. Chris has led the project from the start, to get to this important stage of the MOU being signed.

"The academy will make a significant difference to addressing the current construction skills shortage in Marlborough, but just as crucially it’ll provide pathways for our rangatahi to skilled and well-paid jobs. The skills they’ll learn will set them up for success in the jobs they go into and they’ll also build houses for the local community."

"This is a game changer for our community and it’s great to see Queen Charlotte College as the first cab off the rank," says Mr Coldwell.

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