Tools for life

When North Allert was 14 years-old he bought his first vehicle, and it didn’t bother him that it didn’t really go.

“It was a Toyota Surf from the West Coast, and I did it up,” he said.

Wind the clock forward three years, and the Broomfield teen has continued his keenness for motors and Toyotas.

He’s a few months into a three-year apprenticeship at Rangiora Toyota, spending everyday doing what he loves.

He’s even got himself a big toolbox with everything he needs.

“I love working on vehicles, so earlier this year I was going around workshops looking for work experience, and one of them was Rangiora Toyota.”

At the time, Allert had just joined Hurunui District Council’s Mayors Taskforce For Jobs programme (MTFJ) after seeing an advertisement in the newspaper.

Although the momentum to find a job working with motors was all his, being part of MTFJ gave Allert the extra confidence boost he needed.

MTFJ Coordinator Anna Scott was quick off the mark making the transition as easy as possible for Allert when he got the green light from Rangiora Toyota.

MTFJ assisted with fuel vouchers for the work experience, weekly check-ins offering support, tool assistance, and communicating regularly with Rangiora Toyota.

MTFJ’s assistance was helped by Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) Community Employment Programme (CEP) which supports councils in this way.

“Thinking outside the box is the key to finding employment, and Allert definitely did through his communication, commitment and motivation, turning his dream into a reality,” said Scott.

Allert said having Scott and MTFJ for support had been really helpful, he didn’t think he could have gone as far without them.

During his teen years with his dad, Allert has become familiar with the basic servicing of vehicles and has rebuilt a tractor engine.

“I gather information from You Tube and dad, we learn things together.”

Eventually, Allert would like to gain Warrant of Fitness certification, and become a master mechanic and a master technician.

Rangiora Toyota’s Service Manager Jacob Stewart said Allert has shown what he’s capable of from the first day he arrived.

“He has certainly earned the right to be here,” said Stewart.

He conceded there’s not enough youth in the trade, and what the industry needs is genuine young people with self-confidence.

“They tend to stand out in the crowd.”

Allert said it’s a great professional environment where he’s encouraged to learn.

“It’s really supportive, and everyone wants me to do well,” said Allert.

Mayor Marie Black said MTFJ, combined with willing and encouraging workplaces like Rangiora Toyota, make such a difference for so many young people.

“It provides young people the ability to activate their own life,” said Mayor Black.

She added that the financial support from Ministry of Social Development through its partnership with MTFJ is beneficial for the young people in our communities and local businesses.

“It helps create opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Mayor 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’s 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.