Patrick Watta’s wardrobe was a little bit different when he turned up for his Keystone Trust Scholarship interview.
“You’re part of a cohort that is now 30 years old. It’s amazing to see the guys I studied with, and the growth in their careers, as well as mine.”
Unlike most candidates – who dress their very best in school uniform or maybe a suit – Patrick presented in muddy work boots, shorts and a high-vis vest. (These were pre-Zoom days, when everyone was interviewed in person.)
No wonder he wore what he did: Patrick had come straight from working on a building site for the interview that would change his life.
He was midway through a Bachelor of Construction degree at Unitec and working as a labourer and a security guard to finance his studies. “I was working 60-plus hours a week. One of my mates, Julius Felise, had got a Keystone grant the year before and he told me about it. I thought: ‘why shouldn’t I apply?’; I thought it would alleviate pressure financially.”
Things have since come full circle for Patrick. He was awarded a Miles Construction scholarship, administered by Keystone, in 2019. After working with Ockham Construction for five years, he now has a fulltime job as lead quantity surveyor with Miles Construction in Parnell.
The role aligns with Patrick’s passion. The former deputy head boy at De La Salle College in Māngere had earlier determined that he wanted to learn how the construction industry worked, as well as how the cost of a house was made up.
“With this knowledge I could find better alternatives that could help my family and community afford houses,” he wrote in his original application. Miles’ projects include work within the affordable housing market, including Kāinga Ora, as well as other community housing projects. The company also employs some four other Keystone alumni.
One of the hidden gems of the scholarship is the network it provides, Patrick says. “Being part of Keystone sets you up in the industry, because you have a common ground. The network is so vast.” He certainly feels that the award set him apart from his tertiary peers. “You’re part of a cohort that is now 30 years old. It’s amazing to see the guys I studied with, and the growth in their careers, as well as mine.”
Clearly, he is never far away from his tools. Patrick and his partner, Milly McArthur, a senior project manager for The Building Intelligence Group (another Keystone partner) are currently doing up their old bungalow. “We have some great chats at home,” he smiles.
The building sector is so very diverse, Patrick says – and that’s one of the things he is most enthused about. A socially gregarious character, he says he really enjoys meeting different people and growing in knowledge with the people around him. In the same shift, he may meet a labourer at the start of their career, and a CEO. It’s the same with the Keystone family.
His own family makes a huge contribution to his world too. “It’s important to surround yourself with a good support network. I have awesome parents and two brothers and two sisters who keep me grounded.”
The circle widens further. Patrick met Milly at a Keystone function. At the time, Milly’s mother, Victoria McArthur, was Keystone’s general manager. It was Victoria who had originally rung Patrick and told him of his successful application. “And now Milly and I are life partners,” smiles Patrick.
