Exciting milestone for He Toki Carpentry Training Programme

Congratulations to Aaron Jones, the first He Toki ākonga to graduate with a Level 4 Carpentry Certification.

Aaron, a 38-year-old father of two, grew up in the small rural town of Waiuku in Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island. Aaron and his family moved to Ōtepoti Dunedin in 2017, which was a return to family roots. Aaron’s whakapapa connects to Kāti Huirapa te hapū of Ngāi Tahu, and his family marae is Puketeraki in Karitane.

“It was the best decision ever,” Aaron says of the move.

After 15 years of a career in youthwork, it was time for a career change as well.

“My stepdad was a builder, so I have many memories of helping him on jobs. I loved that he could create something from nothing. I always loved the idea of ‘doing it yourself’ so thought, why not give it a go?” Aaron says.

To get started, Aaron visited the Otago Polytechnic Carpentry School with his 1-year-old. Daz John, He Toki Senior Lecturer, gave them a tour of the facilities, and explained the potential to enrol in the He Toki programme, a construction training pathway for Māori and Pasifika between 16 and 40 years old. The He Toki programme is based on Indigenous learning models, and has te reo, tikanga and mentorship at its heart.

According to Aaron, it felt like the He Toki programme chose him.

“That day I signed up! I was told about the He Toki programme, which is structured around kaupapa Māori, which sounded great.”

The feeling was mutual. Aaron’s hard work made an impression on his lecturers.

“Aaron’s positive attitude, team skills, focus on safety and willingness to learn have prepared him well for the construction industry. He has done us at He Toki proud, and I know he will continue to do so,” says Grant Beel, Carpentry Senior Lecturer and Aaron’s supervisor.

Aaron says that He Toki creates a sense of belonging and support, and that he could call on Grant for any advice needed.

“There was a strong sense of tautoko, support, during the course. Our lecturers were in our corner. All the way through my apprenticeship, I felt a strong sense of repping He Toki.”

The relationships built through the programme created a great learning experience, alongside the practical skills developed by working on projects like a house for at-risk youth, which was done in partnership between He Toki, Naylor Love and Te Kāika.

The milestone of being the first Level 4 Carpentry Certificate grad has made an impression on Aaron.

“I am extremely humbled and stoked. It was not a walk in the park, at times I had to dig deep, but I’m glad I crossed the finish line. I know all those who are part of the He Toki whānau are on their own unique journey of success, and we’re all in it together.”

Daz John expresses a lot of pride in Aaron’s achievement. He says,

“Ko te rā nei, te rā pai rawa atu. Ko tēnei rā nei te pai rawa atu. Ko Aaron Jones tino pai, nunui whakamihi tēnei tutuki, kaiwhakarite He Toki. 

“Our first He Toki graduate to complete his carpentry apprenticeship, Aaron Jones, epitomizes all the things He Toki stands for. Aaron consistently showed mana whakatipu (leadership), whakaraupapa (discipline) and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building). We here, your whānau at He Toki Ōtepoti, are very proud of you and your achievement. Ka pai e hoa.”

Aaron is currently employed as a builder with Connor Jones, a Dunedin and Invercargill building company. He says he really enjoys the type of projects they work on, as well as the team environment.

His ambition is to broaden his experience in the building trade, for instance by managing projects, so that down the road he can use his unique combination of carpentry and youthwork skills to teach the art and skill of carpentry to future generations.

In the meantime, Aaron is enthusiastic about his time in the He Toki Trades Training Programme. He offers this encouragement for those who are considering studying a building trade:

“The community and belonging you will find in the programme is incredible. The skills and knowledge you will pick up will only grow your confidence as you enter into your building career.”