Keep your mind open

It’s hard to know what you want to do when you ‘grow up’ when you’re 17 years-old, so the best thing to do is keep open minded.

That’s the advice from one of Ashby’s newest recruits in the yard where ready mix concrete is made, who left school at the end of last year and had no idea what the next step would be.

Blake Painter from Amberley was working in a local eatery late last year, still trying to figure things out, when he was connected with Mayor’s Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) at Hurunui District Council.

Youth Connector for MTFJ Anna Scott had coincidentally heard that Ashby’s was after a hard-working keen young person when she first met Painter, and it’s been a case of stars aligning since then.

“I got a text from someone at Ashby’s, and they said, ‘come and have a ride in one of the trucks,’” said Painter.

That taster last October sowed the seed, and he’s been working in the yard since the beginning of February, trying his hand at as many different parts of the concrete making process as he can.

Scott said it’s all about community connections.

“This Programme thrives on deep local knowledge, knowing where support is needed, and what youth are ready to take on these new opportunities,” said Scott.

‘Testing’ the concrete is making moulds that are left in water for a few days, ‘slumping’ is adding the water to the concrete tanks that transport the concrete, ‘strengthening’ the concrete is adding steel fibre which are tiny pieces of metal, and sometimes Painter adds dye to the concrete to make it different colours like platinum, black or red.

“I’ve got no favourite job, it’s just all so different.”

One new skill Painter has mastered is getting up early. Sometimes he arrives in the yard in Northern Christchurch at 2.45 am, which means going to bed before 7pm.

“I just like all of it, and I’m trying to learn as much as I can and see as much as I can.”

He encouraged all young people like himself to just try anything, because he’d never even considered working in a concrete yard but he looks forward to going to work every day.

“Just keep looking and find something you enjoy and like.”

Scott said his drive and focus has been admired, and the Ashby’s staff are keen for another MTFJ recruit.

Southern Sales Manager for Ashby’s, Greg Thomson said it’s almost like Painter “has always been there,” his outstanding communication skills have struck a chord with many people across the organisation from the CEO, to truck drivers, to concrete placers, to major customers.

“He can adapt to anyone’s conversation, regardless of who he’s talking to,” said Thomson.

Ashby’s is part of global corporate company Holcim, the headquarters based in Switzerland. Christchurch-based Ashby’s employs 46 people, New Zealand’s second-largest concrete company.

Thomson said this means great opportunities for Painter, who’s fitted into the team so easily with his approachable easy manner and his hard-working ethic.

“We can tell he enjoys the diversity of the job. And for someone who’s regularly got to be on the yard at 5am, he’s never been late once.”

Thomson paid huge credit to MTFJ and the preparation work Scott did with Painter.

On day one in the yard, Painter had already obtained a site safe course, his forklift licence, had completed a two-day first aid course and has passed his medical examination.

“When he turned up, he was ready to go.”

Painter is a member of Ashby’s Health and Safety, and First Aid teams.

Mayor Marie Black said supporting young people and their futures starts with tangible links between government and businesses, and MTFJ is a great example.

She sees the financial support from Ministry of Social Development through its partnership with MTFJ is a win-win for everyone, and admired Painter for his willingness to learn, while building strong and meaningful relationships with his work colleagues.

“Knowing people in the community is the key that unlocks these stories,” said Black.

About MTFJ:

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide movement of mayors championing locally-led solutions to youth employment. Through its partnership with Ministry of Social Development Industry Partnerships the Community Employment Programme (CEP) supports councils, businesses, and communities to connect young people into meaningful jobs. Since 2020, CEP has placed thousands of young people into work across rural and provincial New Zealand.

By June 2025, CEP had supported more than 8,500 young people into work across rural and provincial New Zealand.

More information: www.mtfj.co.nz