Making it with Makita

As you head towards Wintec’s Rotokauri campus, you can’t help but see the big red Makita signage that has become part of the Wintec landscape.

New Makita signage displayed at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus

The signage acknowledges the power tool manufacturer becoming a preferred supplier to the Wintec trades programme, giving Wintec trades ākonga access to a whole range of top-quality tools.

Known for dedication to quality, as well as innovation, Makita stole a march on its competitors by being the first to market with battery-powered tools. Aside from fuel-powered tools, the company is now the leading maker of battery-powered tools in the world.

Niel Alberts, Makita business development manager, pictured (left) with Wintec pre-trades ākonga at Rotokauri Campus.

Makita key account manager, Brad Watson, says the company’s passion for supporting the next generation of tradespeople is behind the three-year Wintec agreement.

“Gaining practical experience with industry-leading tools that reflect real-world working environments will help Wintec ākonga to build strong foundations for their future careers.”

Brad believes a key step to learning a trade is to be able to do a job once, and to do it properly.

“That’s where quality tools play an important role, enabling students to achieve accurate results, to work efficiently.

“…and that’s how you build the skills and confidence required for success in the trade industry.”

Niel Alberts, Makita business development manager, highlights features of Makita tools to Wintec pre-trades ākonga.

Wintec operations manager, Mike Griffiths, says the opportunity for students to spend time on quality tools is an essential part of their learning.

“Any tradie running their own business will tell you that you don’t want to be having to replace quality tools unnecessarily.

“So, it’s about understanding how to use a tool safely and how it is intended to be used. That way you can be sure you’re getting the best use out of it and prolonging its life for years to come.”

Adds Mike: “it helps that Makita are on hand to answer any questions our students may have about the tools.”

Wintec pre-trade ākonga using Makita brad nailer on cabin project.

Mike says loyalty starts early. “We see it with our graduates: once they’ve used a quality tool like a Makita, they go on to stock their toolboxes with a brand they know they can rely on and are then well equipped to enter the workplace.”