Success Stories
Houghton's newest plumbing apprentice, Andrew Lawn, receives his new tool kit from Mayor Phil Nixon and Alan Davis from Whai Mahi with support from Robin Houghton. MTFJ supported the employer to purchase his tools for his journey into the plumbing industry.
Thanks to the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) and Whaimahi Employ creating sustainable employment opportunities in our own backyard, another South Taranaki youth has secured an apprenticeship with a local business.
With support from MTFJ - Whaimahi Employ, Andrew Lawn is the latest success story securing an apprenticeship with Houghton’s Plumbing, Heating and Gas Ltd.
Andrew registered with MTFJ – Whaimahi Employ in late 2024 and soon landed an apprenticeship with Houghton’s, owned by Robin and Glenice Houghton. After meeting MTFJ’s requirements, his apprenticeship officially began with the programme providing support with the essential tools to kickstart his plumbing career.
To mark this milestone, South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon presented Andrew with a new starter toolkit — a symbol of the strong collaboration between local government and businesses in supporting youth employment.
At Houghton’s, Andrew is receiving hands-on training in plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting, learning key skills such as pipe installation, maintenance and system troubleshooting, while working toward industry certification.
“Getting this opportunity through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs has meant a lot to me,” Andrew says. “It helped me get into an apprenticeship I’m really enjoying — and getting a starter toolkit made a big difference. It meant I could show up properly equipped from day one. I’m learning heaps every week and am really proud to be working with Houghton’s.”
Robin and Glenice Houghton say they’re proud to have trained more than 40 apprentices over the years, reflecting their deep commitment to developing skilled professionals within the industry.
“Apprenticeships are the backbone of a sustainable future in trades. We’re especially appreciative of the support provided by the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. Their efforts to connect local youth with employment and training opportunities have had a real impact, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
Mayor Phil Nixon says it is fantastic to see MTFJ supporting another young person into sustainable employment through an apprenticeship that combines both work and training.
“This opportunity gives Andrew valuable skills and a solid foundation for his future career. I congratulate him and wish him all the best.”
Houghton’s has now taken on its second apprentice through MTFJ in the past 12 months, reinforcing their commitment to developing young professionals. The programme
recognises that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work — and by collaborating with businesses like Houghton’s, it delivers tailored employment outcomes.
MTFJ is a nationwide partnership between Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), designed to connect young job seekers with employment, education, and training. By focusing on local solutions, the programme enables councils to tailor support to their communities’ unique needs.
Since July 2024, MTFJ has placed over 1,000 young people into employment nationwide, well surpassing its 12-month goal. This achievement highlights the power of local and central government partnerships in delivering meaningful employment solutions for young New Zealanders.
