About WECA
WECA is a Waikato industry founded and funded non-profit organisation, addressing the workforce and skills needs of its members.
Waikato has a large manufacturing and trades industry, requiring workforce in areas that include mechanical engineering.
In 2003, around 50 Waikato engineering organisations signed-up their support to collectively address the skills shortage that they were experiencing-creating WECA.
Working with secondary schools
WECA works with secondary schools, raising awareness of mechanical engineering careers with Teachers, Gateway Coordinators, Career Advisors and students.
Students are given opportunities to visit the workplaces of WECA members, to understand roles and working environments.
Students are informed about career options and learning pathways that include further education, employment, and apprenticeships. Ongoing communication with students provides assistance to map career paths, gain industry experience and access employment opportunities.
Working with tertiary providers
On behalf of WECA's members, current and future skill needs are communicated to tertiary providers to ensure the development and delivery of engineering programmes is in line with industry's needs.
WECA supports tertiary students with work experience, holiday work and employment opportunities through WECA members and their work places.
This provides WECA members with the opportunity to form relationships with trainees early and assist the tertiary provider in achieving a successful, well-rounded training outcome.
WECA Operations
WECA is driven by its membership, as it was created to address specific issues recognised by the many members. WECA's operations are governed by a Board of Directors and is managed by the WECA Careers Coordinator.
