Students get best of both worlds

An exciting government initiative will see Wintec partner with Waikato secondary schools to encourage students to stay at school for longer by engaging them in hands-on learning.

The Waikato Trades Academy enables year 11-13 students who are interested in a career in trades or technology to combine practical tertiary-based study with studies towards their National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).

During the first year of the Waikato Trades Academy, students will build a motorbike using scooter parts. This project-driven teaching by Wintec tutors will give the students automotive, electrical and engineering skills and the relevant NCEA unit standards, whilst also improving literacy and numeracy levels.

Wintec chief executive Mark Flowers said: “Essentially we’re giving students the opportunity to do something exciting that will help them understand the importance of education and encourage them to stay in school. Our hope is that in the process of building a motorbike, students will see firsthand why subjects taught at school, such as maths, are necessary.”

“An initiative such as the Waikato Trades Academy is long overdue and this partnership model is the way forward,” said Melville High School principal, Clive Hamill. “We need to be responsive to new needs, challenges and opportunities for our students. Our boys are extremely excited about starting and I have high expectations of them.”

“We’re thrilled to have been chosen to run the Waikato Trades Academy and work alongside Waikato secondary schools,” adds Wintec chief executive Mark Flowers. “By meeting the needs of high school students, we hope to improve retention at secondary school level, improve literacy and numeracy skills and possibly pathway students into tertiary study. The Waikato Trades Academy is set to be a rewarding and practical project for all involved.”

Education Minister Anne Tolley said: "Trades Academies are a vital part of the Youth Guarantee and provide an innovative approach to keeping 16 and 17 year olds engaged in education, as they develop their vocational skills and talents through trades and technology programmes."

The Waikato Trades Academy is one of nine throughout New Zealand and the only academy in the Waikato region. Forty eight year 11 students from 12 Waikato secondary schools will begin their first two-week block course on March 28. The three year programme will see students join the trade academy three times a year, for two weeks each time. The students will be given free safety equipment, including overalls and work boots, as well as full access to all of Wintec’s support services.

Background information

The Waikato Trades Academy offers the National Certificate Level 2 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Motor Industry.

Waikato Trades Academy partner schools are: Cambridge High School, Fairfield College, Hamilton Girls' High School, Hamilton's Fraser High School, Hillcrest High School, Huntly College, Matamata College, Melville High School, Morrinsville College, Ngaruawahia High School, Te Awamutu College and Te Kauwhata College.

ENDS