Working together for jobless

A Nelson company is helping the unemployed move into the building industries of the future.

Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni signed a partnership between Nelson company XLam yesterday which will provide jobs for the unemployed.

XLam NZ Limited is a building manufacturing and construction company specialising in laminated timber panels.

The relationship will help to service the Government’s Kiwibuild and Housing NZ programmes and other infrastructure projects, creating entry-level manufacturing and construction opportunities for unemployed clients, especially in the prefabrication sector.

XLam NZ will provide training and support to Government clients in the manufacture of pre-fabricated buildings with opportunities for on-site assembler roles.

Sepuloni said the agreement showed the Government’s dedication to training people for the sector, supplying workers to build the thousands of houses desperately needed.

‘‘This is a win-win situation for everyone involved."

XLam chief executive Gary Caulfield said the agreement offered a streamlined approach to recruitment.

The company had been well-served by previous employees coming through the MSD system as well as education provider NMIT, something which Caulfield hoped will continue.

‘‘It certainly wasn’t a social experiment,’’ he said. ‘‘It was something that happened quietly and now over 50 per cent of our operatives in Nelson are part of the wonderful refugee community and we’ve been delighted to be in the position of giving them opportunities that they don’t normally have.’’