They Showed Up – Celebrating Our 2026 TradeBase Partners.

When we first conceptualised TradeBase by Breen, we knew the programme would only be as strong as the people who believed in it. Building the next generation of tradespeople was never going to be a solo effort – it takes an industry willing to invest too.

We want to take a moment to recognise the partners who have stepped forward for 2026. These are the businesses and individuals who didn’t wait to be convinced. They saw what TradeBase stood for, what we wanted to build for this sector, and they said, ‘we want to be part of that’.

The People Behind the Programme

This year, TradeBase is running across two sites at Dunstan High School in Alexandra, and Wakatipu High School in Queenstown. They deliver Level 3 training through on-site Breen tutors, in strong partnership with BCITO and the schools themselves. These students are learning on real construction sites, with real tools, under real conditions – and our partners are a big reason that’s possible. Here’s our shout out to you all.

• Regional Partners: Hilti, a global company specialising in innovative tools, software and services for the construction industry. Breen use Hilti tools across all our commercial sites and are delighted the Hilti team have provided students with access to the same tools on all TradeBase sites.

We want to also thank the following brands for supporting our Dunstan and Wakatipu sites:

• Foleys
• ITM/ TrussTech
• Trends Kitchen
• Design Windows
• Aotea Central Otago
• Foleys Central Otago
• Alexandra Flooring Xtra
• Placemakers (Queenstown)
• Grant Cooper Roofing (Alexandra)
• Angle Interiors (Queenstown),

Whether they’ve contributed materials, financial support, mentoring time, or a combination of all three, each of these partners has made a direct and tangible impact on the students coming through the programme this year. Their logos are on our build sites. Their names are in our students’ hands. Each day they get to meet representatives from these brands and deepen their connection to others in our industry.

Why It Matters

Our 2026 partners have become part of the TradeBase story. They’re helping young people in their own communities gain the skills, confidence, and industry exposure that will shape their careers for decades to come. Some of these students will go on to become carpentry apprentices. Some will move into specialised trades. Some may end up working alongside the very businesses that supported their training.

A Growing Movement

When the precursor to TradeBase started in Cromwell in 2025, it was a proof of concept. One site, one cohort of students from around the engine. In 2026, we’ve expanded to our two new locations, and we’re planning to move into new regions in 2027. That growth is only possible because partners like the ones we’re celebrating chose to back this programme early.

To every partner who’s come on board this year: thank you. You’re not just supporting a programme, you’re helping to shape the future of the construction industry in the South Island and beyond.