24 | Mahurangimatters 1 November 2013
localbusiness Warkworth plumber Greg Jones with his two awards.
The breakfast encouraged local employers to support the new youth employment initiative.
MP hosts business breakfast
Employers were invited to a breakfast in Warkworth on October 18 to garner support for Futureworks, a local partnership aimed at facilitating work and training for local young people. The breakfast was organised by NZ First MP Tracey Martin, who said Futureworks was a new model, aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 35. It offered opportunities for internships and employment, which did not incur massive debt. Guest presenters were Huia Hanlen from the Ministry of Education, Michaela Salmond from the Helensville Women and Family Centre, and Mark Gatt from Futureworks, based at Springboard Community Works. Huia said despite the fact that seven
out of 10 school leavers didn’t go to university, the education system was designed to send them there. “The question being asked now is what are we doing for those other seven,” she said. “A new approach involves schools and businesses providing vocational pathways with the curriculum built around those pathways rather than set subjects. For instance, in south Auckland, schools are partnering with the airport in the area of logistics ,and in West Auckland we have schools looking at health pathways. “Students are doing better because they can see the relevance of what they’re learning.” Info: Springboard on 425 4623 or email mail@springboard.org.nz
Laser Plumbing wins awards Laser Plumbing Warkworth has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s most successful electrical and plumbing businesses — with two certificates to hang on the wall to prove it. The business, which employs seven Plumbing Gasfitting & Drainlayers Ltd. staff, recently beat 90 other members Greg says he was “blown away” to receive of the Laser group to win Laser NZ’s the awards, which he largely attributes “rising star” award. It also took out the to having a great team, who are a healthy “outstanding growth” award at a Laser mix of youth and experience. International conference in Auckland. “They are the cream of the crop, and Laser Group’s general manager, Scott while we are working hard, it is nice Carr, says owner Greg Jones has put to receive some recognition, although an “exceptional amount of effort” into this was totally unexpected.” growing and improving the business He also wanted to thank the community since joining the group five years ago. for supporting the business, in what It previously traded as Greg Jones had been a “full on” year.
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