Trades school on way | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

A UCOL Trades Academy is set to be up and running in Masterton by next year, says Wairarapa UCOL campus manager Angela Hewitt.

Education Minister Anne Tolley yesterday announced the establishment of 10 trades academies throughout the country, with the planned Masterton hub part of a wider revamp of UCOL trades facilities at campuses in Wairarapa, Manawatu and Whanganui.

UCOL will be lead provider and will offer 100 placements on courses in mechanical engineering, fashion, beauty and hairdressing, joinery and electrical engineering.

Partnerships will be formed with schools, industry and training organisations in Palmerston North and Manawatu, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Wairarapa.

Kelly Gay, UCOL Dean of Trades and Technology, said the academy would help students make a start on trades training while still at secondary school and help meet trades shortages in UCOL regions, including Wairarapa.

Ms Hewitt said the UCOL Wairarapa hub will also comprise Makoura College, which boasts a purpose-built trades facility.

The college has developed a strong niche in trades and technology delivery and will also be offering their programmes to students who prefer to study trades within a secondary school environment, she said.

Makoura College principal Tom Hullena said the school supported initiatives that open up more and relevant vocational pathways for our students.

"We will work with UCOL to ensure that our students are a part of this," Mr Hullena said.

Mr Gay said all Masterton secondary schools would be able to offer the UCOL Trade Academy option to their students and parents.

"The partnership approach helps students to progress smoothly and directly through secondary school via tertiary education into employment," Mr Gay said. "They will also have access to industry advice and visits, and UCOL student support services."

A dual enrolment process would allow pupils to spend part of their week at school and the rest in workshops.

"They gain the benefits of being with their mates at school, staying with school sports and other activities and getting NCEA Level 2 qualifications to keep their options open, but also in engaging in real pre-trade training to prepare for the transition into further study or employment," Mr Gay said.