Daniel Adie, a former student at Dannevirke High School has been helped into a job as a mechanic with Lancaster Tractor Services through the Mayors Task Force for Jobs programme. Lancaster Tractor Services 2022 Ltd, are out on Makirikiri Rd in Dannevirke and sell tractors, as well as a wide variety of farm machinery. They have a purpose-built workshop and a team of fully trained and qualified mechanics in their workshop, of which Daniel has been a part since September 2022.

Lancaster Tractor Services owner Dave Reid, is very supportive of the Mayors Taskforce programme. “I dropped out of school early and had to sort out my own education. That was not easy and I had to work very hard to get where I am today. Our young people are the workforce of the future and, if we believe in them and provide them these opportunities, it is a win-win situation for the youngsters and their future employers.”

The Mayors Taskforce programme has supported LTS and Daniel with funding to cover costs of tools, PPE (Personal protective equipment) as well as provide Pastoral Care to support Daniel with his apprenticeship assignments.

Mayor Tracey explains: “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing people gain employment and confidence. We are keen to get more businesses on board to help employ our young people, and we have funding to help out with initial costs. These funds remove some of the barriers that can be problematic to local businesses when hiring someone with little or no experience. The upfront costs to get started with a job can also be a considerable financial barrier for young people who have just come out of school.”

Dave has been pleased with Daniel’s work ethic and progress, saying “Daniel is a great team player, he is learning all the time and, although naturally quiet, he is growing in confidence and realising he is a valuable member of Lancaster Tractor Services.”
Daniel is currently 100 hours into a full strip down of a Fiat Bulldozer, something he would never have imagined himself capable of just a few months ago. He is using his comprehensive arsenal of tools, which he has been able to buy with support from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and Lancaster Tractor Services.

Daniel explained that “I am here at Lancaster Tractor Services as part of the Mayors Taskforce programme under a MITO apprenticeship. When I complete the programme I will be qualified as a level 3 and level 4 qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic with a strand in agriculture equipment.”

In Daniel’s own words, “life for me, now, is awesome”

Please get in touch if you are interested in finding out about Mayors Taskforce for Jobs by emailing mtfj@tararuadc.govt.nz. More information about the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs: Mayors Taskforce For Jobs | Tararua District Council (tararuadc.govt.nz)