Trust Horizon supports Whakatane school leaver into an Electrical career

The New Year signalled a new career and a bright future for former Whakatane High School student Zayden Paul thanks to support from Trust Horizon.

Last week, the 17-year-old started his New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Level 4 apprenticeship with W.E.C. (NZ) Limited in Gateway Drive Whakatane.

It was possible thanks to the support of Trust Horizon’s Brian Ponting Apprenticeship Award which paid $3,600 for the pre-trade 12-day ETCO (Electrical Training Company) Elite Programme in January.

“The Brian Ponting Award was a huge boost for me, and took a big weight off my whānau’s shoulders. The scholarship was the only way I could complete the pre-apprenticeship course required to start my apprenticeship,” Zayden said.

Zayden was selected for the Brian Ponting Apprentice Award, as he demonstrated a strong motivation to succeed in the industry, which he clearly has a passion to work in.

“We were also impressed with Zayden’s vision for the future,” Trust Horizon Manager Derek Caudwell said adding, “This includes helping build sustainable energy models to help marae and papakāinga.”

Zayden completed year 12 in 2021 at Whakatane High School, and was required to complete the pre-trade course to be able to embark on the level 4 electrical engineering apprenticeship which will take almost four years to complete.

Having been involved in many sports teams including rugby and basketball, Zayden is enjoying the team environment at W.E.C. (Whakatāne Electrical Contractors).

Trust Horizon will continue to support local apprenticeships and education opportunities, which forms part of their vision to build a new generation of qualified electrical workers.

Trust Horizon began supporting the apprentice programme 15 years ago and has invested more than $310,000 locally to fund electrical apprenticeships to help young people get started on the track to stable and successful careers.

“We know the cost of taking on apprentices can be significant and this is a way we can assist with creating employment opportunities, and ultimately benefits the region by growing our local workforce of qualified electrical workers,” says Trustee Kevin Hennessy. “The award is named after Brian Ponting, a founding Trustee of Trust Horizon (formerly Eastern Bay Energy Trust), who was passionate about training our youth in trade skills and serving the EBOP community.”  

The Brian Ponting Apprenticeship Award can be applied for all year round. For more information about Trust Horizon scholarships and grants, visit our Funding page.