TradeStart is a Hutt City Council and Work and Income initiative created to encourage people to consider a trade career.  It does this by maintaining links with industry and key agencies and people interested in careers and matching each up with information, advice and introductions to help facilitate the process.

With colleagues away over the next couple of weeks I am manning the office -hopefully doing my best to point people in the right direction.   To be honest the day has been very humbling, I have signed five people up and have witnessed both the frustration of not being able to find a job and the pure optimism of young people venturing out into the workforce for the first time.  Each candidate still has to do the work and have the right skills and attitude to find that elusive aprenticeship or job, most of them understand that and just want some pointers as to what to do next. 

Its incredibly rewarding seeing people leave a little more enlightened -with the promise of a follow up and a welcome to return if they need more help.  For those who do not know about the service check it out at www.tradestart.org.nz or even better drop by to 132 High Street, Lower Hutt.  Phone 5660014