Ten new Trades Academies confirmed

  • Anne Tolley
Education

Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced the ten new Trades Academies which are to open around New Zealand from 2012, providing practical skills training for secondary school students while allowing them to study for NCEA credits and tertiary qualifications.

The number of fees-free places for 16 and 17 year olds will increase to 2000 in 21 Trades Academies from next year, as the Government focuses on young people at risk of disengaging from education, and making them better-prepared for the workplace and further education.

The students will still be enrolled in school, and will be able to study at other sites, for example in tertiary institutions and in the workplace.

“Trades Academies, which opened in New Zealand for the first time this year, are already making a big difference for those students who don’t always fit into the regular classroom but are eager to learn practical skills and reach their potential,” says Mrs Tolley.

“Schools are partnering with tertiary providers, employers and industry training organisations to give 16 and 17 year olds a more flexible way of learning, and the vocational skills which will give them more career choices.”

The ten new Trades Academies which will open during 2012 are at:

  • UCOL (Palmerston North – Manawatu – Horowhenua - Wairarapa – Whanganui)
  • Nelson/Tasman
  • West Auckland
  • Manurewa (Auckland)
  • Central Lakes (Otago)
  • National Trade Academy (Christchurch)
  • Taumarunui
  • Tamaki College (Auckland)
  • Kelston Girls’ College (Auckland)
  • Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu

This is in addition to the eight Academies which opened this year, and the three providers which had previously been confirmed to open from the start of next year at:

  • Hawkes Bay Trades Academy (to incorporate East Coast)
  • Taranaki Trades Academy
  • West Coast Trades Academy

“Local economies will also benefit from these new Trades Academies, as businesses will now have more young people with better skills ready to enter the workplace,” says Mrs Tolley.

“By 2014, 12,500 places will be available for 16 and 17 year olds in Trades Academies, Service Academies and the wider Youth Guarantee as we give our young people the chance to obtain worthwhile qualifications and skills training which will lead to successful careers.” 

 

Below is additional information on the Academies and lead providers, which are expected to partner with more schools as they work towards opening.

Opening at start of 2012:

Academy of Trades and Technology

UCOL is the lead provider offering 100 places for 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 the Wairarapa.

Nelson Tasman Trades Academy

Nayland College is the lead provider, with 110 places on offer for courses in tourism, primary industries, building and construction, hospitality, mechanical engineering, business administration and computing. Partners will include Garin College, Motueka High School, Nelson College for Girls, Waimea College and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

West Auckland Trades Academy

Massey High School is the lead provider, working together with UNITEC and other West Auckland schools. It will offer 120 places in courses such as horticulture, manufacturing and technology.

Manurewa High School Trades Academy

The High School will partner with Manukau Institute of Technology to deliver courses in construction and engineering for eighty students.

Central Lakes Trades Academy

The Central Otago Campus of Otago Polytechnic will be the lead provider, in partnership with Mt Aspiring College, Dunstan High School and Cromwell College. It will initially have twenty places for courses such as tourism, primary industries, building and construction, horticulture, hospitality, motor industry and hairdressing.

Hawkes Bay Trades Academy

Eastern Institute of Technology is the lead provider, working alongside Wairoa College, Taradale High School, Flaxmere High School, Tamatea High School and schools in the Gisborne area. 150 places will be offered in hospitality, agriculture, carpentry, automotive and electrical skills.

Taranaki Trades Academy

Western Institute of Technology is offering 25 places in engineering, in partnership with Hawera College and New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

West Coast Trades Academy

Greymouth High School is the lead provider, offering ninety places in agriculture, building construction and allied trades, mechanical engineering, hospitality and tourism. Partners include Buller High School, John Paul II High School, Karamea Area School, Murchison Area School, Reefton Area School, South Westland Area School, Westland High School and Tai Poutini Polytechnic.

Opening from mid-2012:

Land-Based Trades Academy

The National Trade Academy in Christchurch will offer 75 places in agriculture, horticulture, equine studies and forestry, partnered with Canterbury schools and other education providers.

Taumarunui High School Trades Academy

The High School with support from WINTEC will have fifty places on offer, for courses in building and construction, and telecommunications.

Tamaki College Trades Academy

The College will provide courses in automotive engineering, and building and construction for thirty students alongside Manukau Institute of Technology.

Kelston Girls’ Business and IT Trades Academy

Kelston Girls’ College, AUT and UNITEC will offer thirty places in business studies and IT courses.

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu Kuratini Tuwhera

The Correspondence School is the lead provider, in conjunction with the Open Polytechnic, offering 100 students across the country access to courses in engineering, service sector, agriculture and business services.