The leader of a project training Maori for better jobs in roading, civil engineering and construction says it's having phenomenal results.
Traditionally many Maori have found work in the sector, but it's generally been in unskilled and low paid jobs.
However in July, with money from Te Puni Kokiri, the trade training organisation Infratrain set up a programme to teach Maori so they could do more highly skilled work.
Chief executive John Willis says in the 10 months since it started nearly 400 Maori have attended formal marae-based training courses in the central North Island.
Waatea News reports eight of them were presented with $10,000 scholarships on Friday to study for Infratrain's national diploma.
More funding is to be sought from Te Puni Kokiri to make the programme available throughout the country.
