Maitlin Kakau

• Planned and delivered carpentry and construction training programmes in high-standard, safety-critical environments
• Managed course delivery, assessments, and quality assurance to ensure consistent training outcomes
• Supervised and mentored instructors and apprentices, developing trade skills and leadership capability
• Coordinated resources, timelines, and logistics to deliver training efficiently
• Maintained strict health and safety compliance across all training activities

• Developed training programs for soldiers at the School of Military Engineering.

• Led and supervised a team of 7 personnel delivering construction projects in varied and high-pressure environments
• Planned and executed construction tasks including site setup, work sequencing, and labour allocation
• Managed project timelines, resources, and on-site safety as Task Lead (Task IC)
• Worked across multiple trades to deliver projects efficiently and to a high standard
• Mentored junior tradespeople and developed team capability
• Conducted exercise reconnaissance, planning, and provided technical construction advice
• Managed materials, logistics, and workforce to meet tight timeframes
• Adapted to changing conditions while maintaining safety and build quality

Lead Carpenter – Tropic Twilight (Tonga)

2024 (6-week excercise)

• Led a construction team delivering projects in a remote, resource-limited environment
• Conducted task reconnaissance, planning, and provided all technical construction advice
• Managed materials, logistics, and workforce to meet tight timeframes
• Adapted to changing conditions while maintaining safety and build quality

• Completed apprenticeship and achieved New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) (qualified 2019)
• Worked on residential building sites, developing strong practical skills across a wide range of carpentry tasks and construction methods
• Used hand and power tools competently while maintaining high standards of workmanship and attention to detail
• Maintained a strong focus on health and safety, contributing to a safe and compliant worksite
• Worked effectively as part of a team to meet project timelines and deliver quality outcomes
• Continued delivering residential construction work as a qualified carpenter while adapting to additional operational responsibilities within a military environment

Troop Transport NCO (2022) alongside carpentry role:

• Managed troop transport logistics, including vehicle coordination and task allocation
• Ensured safe and efficient movement of personnel and equipment across multiple tasks
• Maintained vehicle accountability and compliance with safety and operational requirements

• Delivered hands-on carpentry training to apprentices in workshop and site environments
• Prepared lesson plans and assessments aligned with industry standards
• Assessed performance and provided practical feedback to improve trade skills
• Promoted safe working practices and strong workmanship standards