The benefits of earning and learning

Training in new skills can be a challenge if you have a family to support.

That was a hurdle for apprentice scaffolder Henry Finlayson so he jumped at the chance to earn while he learned with his employer Leader Scaffolding and EarnLearn.

“I was already employed with Leader but when training was offered I decided to take up the chance with both hands so I could become a qualified scaffolder,” says Henry who is now about two-thirds of his way through completing a New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Trade) (Level 4). “I’m really proud of myself for the work I’ve put in and I’m gaining a qualification out of it.”

One of Henry’s highlights of his training so far has been attending block courses. “They’re really useful because there are things you learn on the block course that you might not do in your job. Different companies might only use one certain system, but on the block course they cover all the systems which is really helpful.”

Henry says he’s also grateful for the support he’s received during his training from EarnLearn. “They’re always there to answer your calls and emails and they push you to help you get it done.”

And he loves that the training lets him keep doing a job he enjoys. “What I love most about my job is that I get to go to different places every day and I love working outdoors. It’s never boring.”