Owning a house not biggest success
Buying a house is not the biggest success, according to Manukau homeowner, Frank Uati.
He’s been in the trades for the last six years and would recommend an apprenticeship over university to any teenager who is unsure which career path to take.
The 26-year-old is currently proud of where life has brought him, without any student loans and a house to his name.
Uati, who is in the final stages of a four-year print apprenticeship with Philstic Labels in Te Atatu, says his secret to success is that he ‘‘never said no’’ to any job.
‘‘I was keen and willing. That’s the mentality the younger generation should have,’’ he says.
The quadruplet says it’s ‘‘not about the qualification you get from uni, nor the CV, it’s about the person who is willing to try’’.
The former Otahuhu College student says part of the problem is career advisors in schools ‘‘have no knowledge about trades’’.
‘‘When I was in a school, I only got my level 2. They pushed me to the side and focused on all the students who wanted to go to uni. Hopefully, it’s changed.’’
He is an ambassador for industry training organisation, Competenz, and is sharing his story in a series of school visits.
The aspiring politician says he will be content when ‘‘I see Pacific and Maori people rise up and break the mould to better the community’’.