BUILT HERE, BY HERE: Tāmaki’s Next Generation of Tradespeople

Since the writing of this story and as a result of the partnership, three Trades Academy students have now secured apprenticeships with Precision Construction at TRC’s Concord development.

Precision Construction has partnered with Trades Academy students from Tāmaki College, offering a mentoring partnership to help foster future-focused career options in the construction industry.

Across Tāmaki, the Regeneration Programme is creating hundreds of new homes and building infrastructure and community spaces alongside dedicated build partners. This scale of work is building a strong pipeline of employment with the potential to connect and strengthen the community.

Precision Construction is delivering 77 new public and affordable homes at our Concord Place Development site directly opposite Tāmaki College, and through this partnership, the Trades Academy students have supervised access to view the live worksite, while gaining hands-on experience in the industry. 

Each week, students are taken to the site to track the progress of the build, from structural works through to subtrades like electrical and plumbing. 

Each visit is a chance to connect their classroom learning with industry knowledge under close guidance and supervision, and to see where a future in construction could take them. 

At the heart of the initiative are Tāmaki College Principal Soana Pamaka, Deputy Principal Russel Dunn, Precision’s GM Strategic Partnerships Rob Moule and Director of Trades Academy Rob Thomas - the dedicated team helping to make it all happen.

2025 Tāmaki College Head Boy and Trades Academy student, Auckland Faamita, has taken it all in his stride having discovered a passion in construction during his senior year that influenced the trajectory of his career path.

“I come from a proud Samoan family that’s always encouraged me to work hard in everything I do. At first, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted, but the more I learned about trades, the more I realised how much I enjoy working hands-on and building things from the ground up. Tāmaki College has supported me with so many opportunities through this partnership. What really inspired me was seeing how tradespeople use their skills to create something real and useful. That’s what led me to join the Academy, and working with qualified builders on real development sites has been one of the best parts of the programme. 

It has connected me with people already working in the field and given me a taste of what the job is actually like - learning how to use tools properly, working safely, and being part of a team that gets things done. It’s a whole different level of learning that you can’t get just in the classroom. I’ve gained confidence and discipline, and I have a better understanding of what it means to work hard and take pride in what you do.”

Tāmaki College principal, Soana Pamaka, is a key advocate of the trade partnership, and has been a strong voice for students. 

 “Through this experience, these students have gained trade skills and are work-ready. I want to offer out a challenge to all our partners. The relationships we’ve created here are special, so I’m calling for more employment and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Give these young men the chance to help build in the community where they live and where they grew up, because those successes would mean so much more.” 

After completing his senior year of studies, Auckland hopes to gain an apprenticeship in building and construction to continue learning on the job, gain more experience, and eventually become qualified in the trade.

He says, “I love the people and the sense of community in Tāmaki. Everyone looks out for each other, and there’s a lot of pride in where we come from. It’s a place that’s full of culture, hard-working families, and young people trying to make a difference.”

“Advice I would give to others on the same path? Stay focused. Don’t be afraid to step up and be sure to make the most of every opportunity. Time goes by so fast when you’re young, and everything you do now shapes who you become later. So, stay true to your values and always keep going, even when things get tough.”

Since the writing of this story and as a result of the partnership, three Trades Academy students have now secured apprenticeships with Precision Construction at TRC’s Concord development.

Precision Construction has partnered with Trades Academy students from Tāmaki College, offering a mentoring partnership to help foster future-focused career options in the construction industry.

Across Tāmaki, the Regeneration Programme is creating hundreds of new homes and building infrastructure and community spaces alongside dedicated build partners. This scale of work is building a strong pipeline of employment with the potential to connect and strengthen the community.

Precision Construction is delivering 77 new public and affordable homes at our Concord Place Development site directly opposite Tāmaki College, and through this partnership, the Trades Academy students have supervised access to view the live worksite, while gaining hands-on experience in the industry. 

Each week, students are taken to the site to track the progress of the build, from structural works through to subtrades like electrical and plumbing. 

Each visit is a chance to connect their classroom learning with industry knowledge under close guidance and supervision, and to see where a future in construction could take them. 

At the heart of the initiative are Tāmaki College Principal Soana Pamaka, Deputy Principal Russel Dunn, Precision’s GM Strategic Partnerships Rob Moule and Director of Trades Academy Rob Thomas - the dedicated team helping to make it all happen.

2025 Tāmaki College Head Boy and Trades Academy student, Auckland Faamita, has taken it all in his stride having discovered a passion in construction during his senior year that influenced the trajectory of his career path.

I'm a proud Samoan family that’s always encouraged me to work hard in everything I do. At first, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted, but the more I learned about trades, the more I realised how much I enjoy working hands-on and building things from the ground up. Tāmaki College has supported me with so many opportunities through this partnership. What really inspired me was seeing how tradespeople use their skills to create something real and useful. That’s what led me to join the Academy, and working with qualified builders on real development sites has been one of the best parts of the programme. 

It has connected me with people already working in the field and given me a taste of what the job is actually like - learning how to use tools properly, working safely, and being part of a team that gets things done. It’s a whole different level of learning that you can’t get just in the classroom. I’ve gained confidence and discipline, and I have a better understanding of what it means to work hard and take pride in what you do.”

Tāmaki College principal, Soana Pamaka, is a key advocate of the trade partnership, and has been a strong voice for students. 

 “Through this experience, these students have gained trade skills and are work-ready. I want to offer out a challenge to all our partners. The relationships we’ve created here are special, so I’m calling for more employment and apprenticeship opportunities. 

Give these young men the chance to help build in the community where they live and where they grew up, because those successes would mean so much more.” 

After completing his senior year of studies, Auckland hopes to gain an apprenticeship in building and construction to continue learning on the job, gain more experience, and eventually become qualified in the trade.

He says, “I love the people and the sense of community in Tāmaki. Everyone looks out for each other, and there’s a lot of pride in where we come from. It’s a place that’s full of culture, hard-working families, and young people trying to make a difference.”

“Advice I would give to others on the same path? Stay focused. Don’t be afraid to step up and be sure to make the most of every opportunity. Time goes by so fast when you’re young, and everything you do now shapes who you become later. So, stay true to your values and always keep going, even when things get tough.”