Gateway delivers on skills shortages

The students placed at Kaitaia Tractors through Gateway are there to learn.

“If they think they’re coming here to sweep the floors they can think again,” says Clarence Foster—boss of Kaitaia Tractors.

Clarence has been part of Kaitaia Tractors since he left school—47 years ago.

“I remember too well what it’s like to be at school trying to work out what to do with your life.”

Real work experience

That’s one of the reasons his business is hooked into Kaitaia College’s Gateway programme.

“I do like to give younger people the opportunity to get out into the workforce to see what it’s like, to get some sort of insight into working and particular types of work.”

Kaitaia Tractors provides sales and service for tractors and farm machinery.

Valuing skills

“Our fortunes tend to reflect the fortunes of local farmers. When they’re having lean times so do we.”

But he’s always desperate for skilled staff.

Clarence says he has recently taken on two new mechanics.

“They walked in off the street looking for work. I couldn’t really afford to take them on because things are a bit quiet—but on the other hand you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth—people with the skills I need are few and far between up here.”

Gateway to new recruits

That’s where Gateway helps Clarence’s business.

“Gateway opens up the pool of potential new recruits. I really hope that having them here, learning the ropes will get them interested in the industry.”