Trust Horizon strengthens the future Eastern Bay of Plenty workforce
Trust Horizon is playing a pivotal role in strengthening the electrical workforce within the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Trust Horizon Energy Apprentice-Assist grant is designed to support local rangatahi (youth) and those entering the industry who may not be eligible for Government training course fees support, enabling them to complete their apprenticeship training while pursuing careers in the energy sector. This also includes a strong focus on the development and progression of the region as a whole.
The first to benefit from this refreshed initiative, is apprentice Tim Edgecombe who is employed by Sunbound Solar and Electrical, an Eastern Bay of Plenty company. Tim is currently undertaking his training towards the NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade Level 4) with ETCO, a leading provider of electrical apprentices and training. Tim’s enthusiasm for the industry was evident in his application, where he explained he has a “strong passion for the energy industry, I’m eager to contribute to its growth and development." He shared how the support from Trust Horizon has allowed him “to be more free within my career choices."
Director of Sunbound Solar and Electrical, Daniel Edgecombe is aware of the positive regional impact that providing training and long-term employment opportunities for apprentices like Tim will have, explaining, “we’re training and retaining more proficient electricians in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. He also highlighted the specialised nature of solar electrical work, noting that apprentices often require additional knowledge to work with DC voltage in addition to their understanding of AC voltage.
School leavers and others needing to complete a recognised pre-trade course in order to secure an electrical apprenticeship can apply for a Trust Horizon Brian Ponting Work Ready Award grant. This award acknowledges Brian Ponting, a trained electrical engineer from Kawerau and a founding member of Trust Horizon. Brian was deeply committed to supporting youth education in practical trades and contributed significantly to community organisations throughout his life.
Education is a fundamental pillar of Trust Horizon’s vision for supporting a work-ready future for rangatahi. Throughout the past 30 years, the Trust has committed more than $4.5 million to initiatives that have enabled hundreds of young people to join an equitable and skilled workforce. David Bulley, Deputy Chair of Trust Horizon, expressed his optimism for the impact of the pre-trade and apprentice training support grants, stating, “With programmes like these, Trust Horizon is not just supporting individuals but also building a stronger, more skilled community that will drive the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s future growth.”
As summarised by Daniel on the importance of this initiative for the region; “The Eastern Bay is growing, and we want locals to thrive here.”
Further information on eligibility criteria and application details for each grant programme are available via the Apply Now section of the Trust Horizon website www.trusthorizon.org.nz