With internships, graduate programs, work experience and cadetships on offer, it can be tricky figuring out which entry level opportunity is right for you. However, the team at Explore Careers is here to help!
This cadetship guide is intended to teach you all about what a cadetship is and what you need to do to land one, with insider insights on one of our favourite construction cadetship programs on offer! In short, by the time you finish this article, you’ll be a cadetship pro.
Introducing HEB Construction
HEB Construction are some of the masterminds behind Aotearoa’s roads, bridges, tunnels, walkways, wastewater systems and playgrounds (as well as many other crucial fixtures). In essence, they keep New Zealand running smoothly and improve the lives of Kiwis across the country!
With a strong prioritisation of collaboration, trust, and respect, HEB Construction cultivates a community-driven approach to building, construction and engineering. The best part? They offer plenty of pathways (including exciting construction cadetships) to help you grow your career!
To learn more about all the great work being done by HEB Construction, head over to their employer profile today. Who knows, you might just discover your dream pathway!
What is a Cadetship?
In simple terms, a cadetship is a partnership between an employer, their employee and an education or training provider. The best part about this model of employment is that it enables you to complete formal studies while still being employed (and gaining valuable hands-on experience). It doesn’t get much better than that!
Cadetship vs. Internship: What’s the Difference?
While cadetship programs and internships may seem similar at first glance, there are some pretty crucial differences between the two. Namely, cadetships are usually for employees working towards a qualification while in paid employment, whereas, with internships, you’ll generally be gaining paid work experience over your university break as a requirement to complete your degree.
Moreover, cadetships are a little lengthier, often going for several years or so. This allows enough time for you to complete any related qualifications while you’re still in the program.
How Do I Qualify for Cadetship Programs?
The qualification criteria for each cadetship varies slightly. This means that if you’re dreaming of landing a particular cadetship program opportunity, the sooner you start planning for it, the better! That way, you’ll have all the necessary qualifications before it’s time to apply.
Discover HEB Construction’s Construction Cadetship Program
If you’re a STEM enthusiast with a Level 6 NZ Diploma in Engineering (gained through a polytechnic), then you’re ready to apply for HEB Construction’s exciting construction cadetship program! This opportunity won’t just provide valuable, hands-on experience, but it’ll also earn you a NZ Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP) upon your completion of the two-year program!
What Will You Learn?
While working towards your NZ Diploma in Engineering Practice, you’ll learn a tonne of helpful skills that will set you up for a successful career in engineering. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, we’ve taken the liberty of writing up a few of the key competencies you’ll be nurturing:
- Clear communication skills
- Ability to recognise social, cultural, and environmental effects of engineering activities
- Knowledge of ethical engineering practices
- Ability to design and develop engineering-related solutions
And many, many more!
Insider Insights: Jamie’s Construction Cadetship
It’s pretty clear that we’re huge fans of HEB Construction’s cadetship program, but don’t just take our word for how great it is! Uncover behind the scenes info from Jamie Leitch, one of HEB’s talented cadets!
Like most Kiwis, Jamie struggled to find work when the first Covid lockdown hit in 2020. His usual industry, hospitality, had been hit particularly hard, and Jamie was forced to execute a pretty extreme career pivot that eventually landed him a role with HEB Construction.
After starting out by sanitising the Auckland offices, Jamie proved to be hard working and diligent. He quickly landed a new role organising and issuing machinery and equipment from HEB’s Auckland depot and developed an interest in civil construction and road servicing.
By the end of 2022, Jamie had finally found his passion and landed a spot in HEB’s cadetship program. Not only was he now working towards a qualification, he also had a final goal in mind; developing into a project engineer!
In Jamie’s own words, “It’s a very cool environment to be working in – more than just a job. Everyone works well together, and we make a great team. Practical people with a good attitude would fit right into the industry.”
If you want to learn even more about Jamie’s inspiring story, head over to the EPIC Work website for the full run-down.
Start Your Cadetship Journey Today!
With all the information on HEB’s Construction Cadetship that you could ever need, it’s time to get the application ball rolling!
Make your way to their cadetship program page to learn more Trust us, you won’t regret it.
