MEDIA RELEASE

16 August 2010

100 Students To Benefit From Trades Academy In Greater Wellington Region

Today the Wellington Institute of Technology (“WelTec”) was announced as one of only nine Trades Academies in New Zealand. The Wellington Trades Academy will offer young people in the greater Wellington region the opportunity to study at WelTec whilst continuing their secondary school studies. 100 students from the Wellington region will be able to participate in the Trades Academy.

WelTec’s plans were confirmed by the Minister of Education today by the selection of WelTec as the Wellington Trades Academy.

“We are very pleased to be able to participate in this important programme which will directly benefit young people”, said Dr Linda Sissons, Chief Executive of WelTec.

Students in their final years at secondary school study in a range of areas at WelTec including creative technology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, construction, plumbing, hairdressing and hospitality.

“WelTec works closely with employers in these industries. The advantage for Trades Academy students is that by studying at WelTec they will be well-positioned to achieve the type of qualifications that industry wants and a high probability of obtaining work in their chosen field of study if they go on to further diploma or degree studies”, said Dr Sissons.

One industry involved with the Wellington Trades Academy at WelTec is the film, digital and creative industry in Wellington which has experienced significant growth - 25% revenue growth in the film and television industry in the 2008-2009 period which is a 152% increase over the previous two years (2007-2009). The Wellington Trades Academywill provide secondary school students with an introduction to the creative areas in the film, digital and creative industry. This can involve visual arts through to any form of digital media including film and television, animation and illustration.

“The training offered through the Wellington Trades Academy aligns with what the industry wants and needs. Students could carry on and study towards a Bachelor of Creative Technologies and end up working in the film, animation and creative sectors”, says Creative Technology Advisory Committee chair, Laurence Greig.

“The industry is looking to WelTec to fill a significant skills shortage in our industry particularly in Wellington. The WellingtonTradesAcademyat WelTec provides a fantastic pathway for students into a very exciting and dynamic industry”, said Mr Greig.

“The Trades Academy at WelTec will develop a strong trades and technology base for Wellington industry. Our engineering, building and construction and hospitality employers want to encourage more young people into their industries. Often times there are amazing work opportunities for young people and the Wellington Trades Academywill provide a great pathway for young people into industry” says Dr Sissons.

Gregory Keating, General Manager of the Duxton Hotel in Wellington agrees. “WelTec produces work-ready graduates with qualifications and skills needed by the hospitality industry. At the Duxton we rely on WelTec to provide us with staff who can work across the spectrum from front office through to hotel management. The Wellington Trades Academy based at WelTec is just what the region needs. We are very pleased WelTec has been selected to offer this training to young people”.

ENDS

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