A former Tongan courier driver who gave up his job to re-train as a builder said this week the risk had been worth the risk.
Robert Piutau, 34, told Tagata Pasifika he decided to re-train after helping to renovate his parents’ home.
“Me and my siblings have always talked about how we want to give back to mum and dad,” he said.
He said being able to change the family house allowed him to do that.
Piutau won second place in the New Zealand certified Building competition.
However, re-training has meant great sacrifice.
His wife Mele was studying – she is now a qualified nurse – during the first three years of his apprenticeship.
“It was always at the back of our minds that when we qualified things will be easier,” Piutau said.
Speaking in Tongan his father, Manako Piutau said he was happy his son had become a builder.
“That is why we came to New Zealand for better opportunities and to gain new skills,” Piutau Snr said.
The main points
- A former courier driver who gave up his job to re-train as a builder said this week the risk had been worth the risk.
- Robert Piutau, 34, told Tagata Pasifika he decided to re-train after helping to renovate his parents’ home.
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