The aim of this study is to describe and consider tuākana tēina approaches to trade training with Māori learners. The study centers on a case study of Tāwharau Housing Trust, a small whānau-based construction company in Rotorua and their approach to vocational training and apprenticeships with Māori learners in the building industry. The study relies on a mix of literature review, research interviews and samples of available quantitative data, as information sources.