Find out what went down at the latest Taranaki event and more about how to get into the trades!

Watch the video below to see what happened at the recent Taranaki event!

Thank you to the incredible organisations and individuals who made Women in Trades Taranaki 2025 such a success. With over 400 attendees and 35 exhibitors gathered at the TET Stadium in Inglewood, your generous support and active participation helped create an inspiring, hands-on day exploring trades careers.

Principal Sponsors

Keen to explore a career in the trades but not sure where to start? We recommend reaching out to a training provider first. It’s a great way to get a feel for different trades through hands-on learning. Once you’ve found what you enjoy, you can look into apprenticeship opportunities to start building your career. Check out these great organisations supporting training, apprenticeships, and real-world career pathways into the trades!

WITT - Get stuck into real workshops! Learn carpentry, plumbing, electrical and more on campus, then move into an apprenticeship.

Competenz - Earn while you learn! Competenz works with employers to deliver on-the-job training and nationally recognised qualifications. Read about Patsy's journey here!

Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Taranaki (MPTT) - MPTT offers fees-free trades training for Māori and Pasifika individuals aged 16 to 40 in the Taranaki region. Delivered in partnership with WITT and Land Based Training, and coordinated by Taranaki Futures, the programme provides hands-on learning, cultural support, and dedicated mentoring to help learners transition into apprenticeships or employment.

BCITO - Build your future in construction. BCITO supports over 15 trades including carpentry, tiling, joinery and stonemasonry, helping you gain practical, on-site skills while working toward a qualification.

Connexis - Explore careers that keep New Zealand running. Connexis supports training and development across infrastructure industries like electricity, water, civil works and telecommunications.

Earn Learn - Earn while you learn in a real job. This initiative helps young people explore trades careers by combining workplace experience with structured training and wraparound support.

These awesome organisations help showcase what a career in the trades can look like. Many support events, training pathways, and work experience initiatives. Follow them on social media to stay inspired and see what opportunities may be available in the future.

Qube Ports NZ - Explore life at the port, where no two days are the same! Learn to drive forklifts, load containers, and manage warehouse operations in a fast-paced environment.

“Every day is different. Some days I’m on-site inspecting equipment. Other days I’m managing budgets or liaising with contractors and suppliers.”

Maggie de Beer, National Equipment Manager

Qube Ports NZ

Read more about Maggie’s story

Pepper Construction - Thinking about becoming a builder? You could end up on building sites, from houses to offices. Roles include site work, surveying, and supporting major construction projects.

FirstGas / Clarus - Learn how FirstGas helps power New Zealand! From maintaining pipelines to exploring renewable energy solutions, there are heaps of opportunities to grow.

Supporting Sponsors & Partners

Whitaker Civil Engineering - Civil engineering is full of possibilities! Build roads, bridges and utilities—gain site-based experience in civil projects that keep our towns connected.

Mitre 10 Trade – New Plymouth - Get to know the tools of the trade. The team at Mitre 10 Trade New Plymouth supports you with materials, advice and connections across the industry.

Fulton Hogan - Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure companies. Fulton Hogan works across roads, water, civil construction and transport, supporting safer and more connected communities.

Fonterra - Learn how dairy products are made and distributed through areas such as logistics, factory operations, and product development.

ICE Electrical - Explore the electrical trade through real-world projects. ICE Electrical offers commercial and industrial services, providing insights into everything from wiring new buildings to sustainable energy solutions.

And don't forget to grab a copy of the Tradie Magazine to stay in the loop! Get news, tips and career guides for all kinds of trades, from tools and tech to site safety and apprenticeship advice.

Special Acknowledgements

“The day was a huge success with the highest turnout in its third year,” says Katrina Mayo, event organiser and Work Based Learning Lead at WITT Trades School. “It’s an empowering forum for young women to connect with experienced tradespeople and see real pathways into the sector.”

“Women in Trades was fantastic—just for the girls with no pressure of boys looking on,” reflects Kerrie Thomson-Booth, Deputy Director, WITT Trades School.

Read more about the day here: https://www.witt.ac.nz/news/women-in-trades-boots-and-all/

Interested in future events? Follow Women in Trades on social media to see where we’re headed next:
📸 Instagram @womenintradesnz
📘 Facebook @womenintradesnz
🔗 LinkedIn @Women in Trades NZ