Te Ara ki te Kaha - The Path to Strength

28 Feb

At Henderson Demolition, we believe in investing in our people. Te Ara ki te Kaha is a customised workforce development initiative, tailored specifically to meet the needs of our team. Delivered by Solomon Group, this programme provides 40 hours of bespoke training to 40 of our full-time team members and labour force. It is designed to enhance health, safety, quality, and environmental risk management skills, while also supporting personal growth and long-term career development.

This initiative is uniquely structured to engage our predominantly Tongan workforce by utilising a Tongan instructor, fostering deeper engagement and understanding. The programme is also strongly influenced by Māori and Pasifika values, ensuring a culturally responsive approach to learning and development.

Key Focal Points

Connections & Cultural Understanding – Strengthening team bonds and cultural awareness.
Ensuring Workplace Safety – Enhancing literacy and communication for safer work environments.
Strengthening Workplace Communication – Improving efficiency and teamwork.
Developing Technical Skills – Focusing on demolition-specific competencies.
Fostering Teamwork – Building collaboration and trust among crew members.
Understanding Hazards & Decision-Making – Equipping workers with risk assessment skills.
Mental & Physical Well-being – Supporting sustainable employment through resilience training.
Building Leadership & Responsibility – Encouraging accountability and growth.
Utilising Technology – Enhancing communication, safety, and efficiency with digital tools.
Celebrating Achievements – Recognising success and planning future development.

Programme Overview

Week 1: Whanaungatanga | Rapport Building & Cultural Awareness

Creating strong team connections and understanding security.
Introduction to the training programme and Henderson Demolition’s values.
Importance of literacy and numeracy in demolition work.
Cultural foundations, including Te Ao Māori principles.
Pepeha workshop to build personal and cultural connections.
LLN assessments to tailor individual learning plans.

Week 2: Haumaru | Health and Safety Foundations

Reading and understanding safety signs, hazard reports, and PPE requirements.
Writing clear incident reports and hazard assessments.
Numeracy in safety – weight limits, safe distances, and structural measurements.
Understanding consequences of non-compliance through real-world case studies.

Week 3: Whakawhitiwhitinga Kōrero | Communication Skills

Workplace communication essentials – toolbox talks, radio communication, and hazard reporting.
Reading and writing skills for work orders and safety checklists.
Resilience and teamwork strategies for managing stress and focus.

Week 4: Ngā Mahi Waihanga | Technical Numeracy Skills

Reading measurements, interpreting diagrams, and calculating loads.
Understanding scale, weight distribution, and safe equipment handling.
Checking and interpreting demolition specifications.

Week 5: Mema o Te Kapa | Teamwork & Attributes

Defining team roles and responsibilities in high-risk environments.
Understanding communication styles (DISC and VARK models).
Practical training on conflict resolution and emergency response.
Confidence and assertiveness training for workplace communication.

Week 6: Ngā Hua Kore | Identifying and Managing Risks

Hazard identification and risk assessment strategies.
Writing and reading risk assessment reports.
Understanding probability and severity in risk calculations.
Recognising the ripple effect of workplace incidents.

Week 7: Hauora | Well-being and Resilience

Injury prevention and ergonomic best practices.
Fatigue management and scheduling awareness.
Mental resilience training, including stress management and mindfulness.
Building a workplace support network.

Week 8: Rangatiratanga | Leadership and Accountability

Encouraging proactive behaviour and personal responsibility.
Understanding legal and ethical responsibilities in demolition work.
Problem-solving and critical thinking exercises.
De-escalation techniques for workplace conflicts.

Week 9: Reo Matihiko | Digital Literacy for the Workplace

Using mobile apps for digital safety reporting and hazard logs.
Equipment tracking systems and inventory management.
Effective use of radios, tablets, and online reporting tools.
Final assessments and personal progress reviews.

Week 10: Te Whakaoti Rapanga | Graduation and Next Steps

Recognising achievements with certificates and team celebrations.
Exploring career pathways and leadership development opportunities.
Planning future upskilling and training options.

Why Te Ara ki te Kaha Matters

This programme enhances our workforce’s skills, confidence, and safety awareness, ensuring:

A safer, more competent team.
Improved communication and collaboration.
Stronger leadership and personal growth.
A commitment to quality and sustainability in demolition work.

By investing in our people, we strengthen our organisation and build a safer, more resilient workforce. Let’s take this journey together!

Alex Moulton