Huliana Fanua describes herself as a go getter that keeps her whanau (family) at the core of everything. Currently in her first year, she is studying the Level 3 Electrical Pre-Trade course as a Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship recipient. We talked to her about how she landed in electrical, her learning experience and what is on her radar after study.
Deciding what career path to take
Huliana is currently in her first year studying Level 3 Electrical Pre-Trade, as a Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) student. Huliana dreamed of working a job that would set her family up financially, but didn’t know what career path to take. Her interests in electrical sparked when she spoke to her Uncle Ruvea, an established electrician in Rarotonga. Ruvea had studied and completed the Level 3 Electrical Pre-Trade course at WelTec, worked his way to an apprenticeship in New Zealand and built an electrical business in Rarotonga. After Huliana reached out for advice on the trade, he emphasised how rewarding it was to contribute to local communities in Rarotonga through his work. This hit home for Huliana, and inspired her to take the same career path.
“After that conversation, my uncle inspired me to become an electrician. I wanted to follow in his footsteps so that I can become a successful trades woman who is able to look after my family, just as he is doing now.”
Starting electrical with the support of a Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship
Upon arriving home from Rarotonga, it didn’t take long for Huliana to follow in her uncles footsteps and join the electrical world. She enrolled in the Level 3 Electrical Pre-trade course at Whitireia and WelTec and was awarded the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) scholarship.
“Enrolling online and applying for the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training scholarship was a smooth process. After applying for the MPTT scholarship, I was invited for an interview by Tame, Jobs Broker for ākonga Māori at WelTec. He asked me questions on why I should be awarded the scholarship and what I hope to get out of study. After the interview, I was accepted on the spot. It was a massive boost for me.”
The wrap around support has been there since day one. With the help of ākonga Māori support team Tamaiti Whāngai, Huliana began the year setting goals for study and was mentored throughout the year by the team. At the beginning of the year, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) students received a toolbox to kickstart their learning journey. Each tool kit was equipped with a screwdriver set, tape measure, tool belt, hammer, cable knife stripping tool and a side cutter to name a few. The toolboxes are distributed each year and enable students to get started with the necessary tools for practical work.
Find out more about the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) scholarship →
MPTT recipients receive a wide range of support. The Tamaiti Whāngai team will support you with mentoring, goal setting, pastoral and cultural support, and you'll have the opportunity to get your drivers license, and first aid certificates.
Exploring the student experience at Whitireia and WelTec
Huliana enjoys the variety that comes with being an electrical student. The mornings are spent in the classroom for theory lessons and tests, covering health and safety legislation through to the fundamentals of electrical work. Students are hands on with practicals in the afternoon, taking place in the workshops. Before getting hands on, students have to complete a health and safety course along with learning correct tool usage.
In the workshop, Huliana enjoys applying theory into practice. Huliana’s favourite part about theory work is learning about everyday appliances, how those appliances are wired and understanding how they operate.
“Understanding the level of detail when it comes to wiring, it’s a massive part of being an electrician. Learning things like that gives me confidence in applying my knowledge into the workshop.”
Whether it be theory or practical, Huliana has found her study environment to be motivating and welcoming.
“My classmates are all on the same page, which makes it easier to learn and bounce off ideas. We also have a big class, but our tutor Evan does a good job of assisting us during class and making time for each student. At the start of class, he is always clear on what the plan of learning is, across theory and practical.”
Speaking at the inaugural Lower Hutt City Summit
Recently, Huliana had the opportunity of a lifetime as she was invited to speak at the inaugural Lower Hutt City Summit.
The Lower Hutt City Summit is an event which aims to build a shared vision for the future of Te Awa Kairangi. Director of Teaching and Learning Leanne Ivil was also in attendance and greeted Huliana with supportive words prior to her speech. People from community and industry groups, government and non-government organisations, sports clubs and residents attended the summit.
“I spoke about my hopes and aspiratons for youth based in Te Awa Kairangi. Emphasising the culture within our youth, enhancing inclusivity and mental health outcomes for youth in Te Awa Kairangi were some topics I found important to speak on.”
Huliana plans to continue using her platform to empower youth living in Te Awa Kairangi.
Future prospects after completing study
After completing the Level 3 Electrical Pre-Trade course, Huliana plans to head straight into an apprenticeship. She aims to, just like her uncle, build an electrical business of her own which she can provide for her family and continue working a trade she loves. Huliana urges anyone contemplating study to give it a go, to take that leap because that could be the best decision to make for your future.
“Lean on the support services around you and come in with an open mind. There will be highs and lows during your learning journey but being able to stick through it is rewarding.”
Study Electrical at Whitireia and WelTec
Learn the foundations of electrical practical and theory in a supervised setting. Start your journey to become a qualified electrician.
