Stevenson & Taylor Ltd: Setting the Standard in Youth Friendly Employment

Pictured: Mayor Alex Walker, Deputy Mayor Kelly Annand and Waipukurau Rotary Club President Jane Hamilton with Robby Smith and the Stevenson & Taylor team. 

Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay and the Waipukurau Rotary Club joined Stevenson & Taylor Ltd staff on Friday to celebrate the Central Hawke’s Bay business receiving the first ever Youth Friendly Employer Award at the 2023 Trades Graduation & Awards Ceremony in November.
Stevenson & Taylor – one of Hawke’s Bay’s largest agricultural equipment operators that employs over 45 staff in Waipukurau and Hastings – has trained four young apprentices in the past year and more than 21 in the past 10 years.
Robby Smith, who started on the shop floor when he was 16 in 1999 and is now the General Manager, is a living example of how the company supports career progression and creates a place where young people want to stay and develop.
“Fostering a strong apprentice culture is important to us and we firmly believe in supporting young locals to earn qualifications while gaining practical work experience,” says Robby.
The company trains engineers in fabrication, heavy diesel, small engines/motorcycles and spare parts and have had a strong focus on apprenticeships since 2010 but has provided employment opportunities locally since opening in 1951.
Niki Lock, who has been with the company for several years and completed his second apprenticeship this year, nominated the company following his positive experience: “It’s a positive working environment with good incentives to help motivate young apprentices to complete their training. We can always talk to anyone about issues or problems we have.”
Robby says creating an inclusive and vibrant workplace atmosphere is key. “We aim to create a place where our young people want to continuously learn and develop. Clear, open and transparent communication is also vital, so we have an open-door policy where ideas are welcomed, concerns are addressed promptly, and everyone feels connected to the larger vision of the company. We also celebrate achievements, both big and small.”
There to join the celebrations were Jane Hamilton, Waipukurau Rotary Club President and sponsors of the award alongside Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay, Mayor Alex Walker and Deputy Mayor Kelly Annand.

Congratulations to the nominees for the inaugural Youth Friendly Employer Award 2023, a prestigious honour proudly sponsored by Jobs in Central Hawkes Bay and the Waipukurau Rotary Club; Mitre 10 Waipukurau, Morison Building, Jonos Garage, Zinc & Hatuma Café, BP 2go Waipawa, Woburn - Oceania, Craigmore, Tikokino Contractors, Pure Sport and Leisure, Central Mobile Engineering & Centralines.

5 December 2023

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