Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
23 hours ago
Max Elsmore is building a future in the construction industry after completing a certificate in carpentry at EIT Tairāwhiti.
The 20-year-old from Gisborne completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.
“The course prepared me really well. It helped me understand what was going to be happening on site and what would be expected of me.”
Max Elsmore completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.
His pathway into trades began while he was in Year 12 at Gisborne Boys’ High School through the Trades Academy – a year-long trades programme for secondary students.
“That gave me a good idea of what I was actually interested in.”
After leaving school at the end of Year 12, Max spent time working in several jobs before deciding to commit to a trade career.
“I tried a few different things, but none of them really stuck. That’s when I decided to go back to EIT and get some proper knowledge behind me.”
Encouraged by discussions with EIT Assistant Head of Trades (Tairāwhiti) Tim Jagusch, Max enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) – a 36-week course focused on core building skills, tool use and worksite expectations.
He said the learning environment at EIT played a key role in preparing him for employment.
“The tutor explained things in a way I could understand, and the class was really good. We shared information and helped each other out, which made it easier to learn.”
Now in the early stages of his apprenticeship, Max says he is enjoying the challenge of working on site and learning from experienced builders.
“I’m enjoying learning everything about it. My workmates are keen to teach me, which makes it even better.”
As part of his apprenticeship, Max will continue completing theory and assessments through EIT’s NZ Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) alongside his practical training.
For Max, the appeal of building lies in seeing projects take shape.
“Watching something being built from the ground up is pretty satisfying. Knowing you helped create something that will be there for a long time – that’s what I enjoy most.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to become a qualified builder, gain his Licensed Building Practitioner status, and eventually run his own business.
“I’d like to get qualified first, and then maybe one day have my own building business if that’s achievable.”
He encourages others considering trades training to explore study at EIT.
“It’s a great place to learn. And it’s a really good environment.”
Howard Irving, School of Trades and Technology Tutor, said Max arrived on the course genuinely eager to learn, and that enthusiasm showed from day one.
“His consistent attendance and positive attitude made him an absolute pleasure to teach. The supportive environment created by us, along with the encouragement from his fellow ākonga, helped Max thrive throughout the programme. Altogether, these factors contributed to a highly successful pre trade experience and set him up with a solid foundation for his future pathway.”