Ground was broken today on a new Building Futures Training Facility to support local people into local jobs in the Hawke’s Bay region.
“This is a big win for the Hawke’s Bay,” said Minister for Social Development and Employment, Carmel Sepuloni.
“Hawke’s Bay have been at the frontline of the extreme weather events which is why the new Jobs and Skills Hub, once built, will not only help support the region’s rebuild and recovery, but it’ll also help support major infrastructure projects long-term.”
The Minister said the hub will help find job seekers to build $1.1billion worth of homes in the Hawke’s Bay, along with a new hospital for the region.
“Following Cyclone Gabrielle, the need for workers in the Hawke’s Bay region is greater than ever. That’s why I’m pleased that The Hub’s focus has now widened to include any infrastructure or construction projects that are needed as a result of the cyclone,” she said.
“The Hub will be a space where people can talk to someone about working in construction, no matter their level of experience. It will link people up with training and job opportunities, setting them up for long-term, sustainable careers while filling the industry’s need for skill workers.
“Collaboration will be key to its success which is why ‘partnership’ across every pocket of the region sits at the heart of the delivery of the Jobs and Skills Hub. The Hub is partnering with local councils, Te Kahui Ohanga o Takitimu, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Skills Leadership Group, EIT/Te Pūkenga, and key housing development stakeholders such as K3 Kahungunu Property, and Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust.
“We’re committed to playing our part to drive a rapid and sustainable shift that delivers the right people, at the right time, with the right skills to meet New Zealand’s current and future construction labour needs,” Ms Sepuloni said.
Construction of the Jobs and Skills Hub will begin in July.
