A first-of-its-kind trainee welding programme in Taranaki is aimed at plugging gaps in the workforce and transforming lives in the process.
Six jobseekers are taking part in the pilot, which is being supported by local engineering companies and paid for by the Ministry of Social Development.
Carac Group - an Eltham manufacturing company that exports products around the world - hosted the programme.
CEO Sonia Kiser said businesses like Carac were often caught out by having a lack of qualified staff available.
"We've also been left looking for welders and there was just nobody out there on the market, so this is how this whole initiative came about.
"We were asked what do we actually need in the community and what what do we need for our workforce and we needed the welders.
"So, as soon as we were introduced to this pilot programme we were so appreciative, it's so supportive to have something like this for our community."
Kiser believed the course would set the trainees up for success.
Carac Group CEO Sonia Kiser. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
"There's all sorts of different welding out there now, you know, from the arch to the TIG to the aluminium and we've got the robot welding.
"So, to really learn those basics in a programme like this before you actually go out into the workforce is just phenomenal."
Auckland firm Materials and Testing Laboratories is in charge of the training.
Instructor Ronaldo Correa said the trainees were learning three different welding processes on the six-week course, which was challenging.
Instructor Ronaldo Correa immigrated to New Zealand on the strength of his welding qualifications. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
"It's very hands-on, the training. I would say it's 95 percent hands on and we start with MIG/MAG (gas metal arc welding), we move towards TIG (tungsten inert gas welding), and then we are doing arc welding."
The Brazilian said the ability to weld could change lives.
"I take from myself, like, I have made my life out of welding. I started when I was about 14 years old and so far it has been working.
"There are a lot of opportunities for welders in New Zealand. I came to New Zealand because I was a welder and I take a lot of pride in that.
"And I think it is a great opportunity for the guys. There is a lot of work around and welding is just the beginning really I think. It is going to open a lot of doors."
Stratford father-of-four Kahu Murray applied for the course after being stood down for a seasonal shutdown at a meatworks where he worked.
Stratford father-of-four Kahu Murray was one of the trainees, and said he was looking for more secure work. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
"I was working for a meatworks and we had a shutdown, so during that shutdown I went to [Work and Income] to see what they had available workwise or course-wise and this came up.
"So, I tried to get onto this and lucked out really. It's awesome fun and a lot of learning which is pretty awesome."
The 31-year-old reckoned the course would help his future prospects.
"Just that experience initially to be able to get into the workforce and grow upon that and find some sort of job. I'm not really sure what yet but I'll get there eventually."
Hāwera local Ethan Campbell hopes the welding course will help him secure an apprenticeship. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Classmate Ethan Campbell was laid off from a stores position in a mechanical engineering business.
The Hāwera local said getting on the MSD programme was a morale boost.
"They told me about this welding course that was popping up at Carac and they were looking for a few people and I was, like, that would be quite interesting for me to jump into.
"I believe there was about 30 people that applied and out of 30 people us six were chosen, so it feels pretty good to know you've got a team that thinks we are the right people to start this off for everyone."
The 23-year-old was optimistic about the future.
"Next week we've got our evaluations to get our [preliminary] tickets and hopefully we can get a job after that.
"Off the back of this course I can hopefully get an apprenticeship then get it all done, and once I'm all signed up I want to hopefully try and get out on the rigs and yeah, get a good life out of it."
The six-week programme wraps up next week.