Central Hawke’s Bay Targeted For EIT Training Programme

Media Release

Central Hawke’s Bay Targeted For EIT Training Programme

Initiating an introductory building training programme to be offered in Central Hawke’s Bay this year, EIT trades training head Todd Rogers says it feels good to be giving something back to the community in which he grew up.

The 38-week Introduction to Trades Skills (Carpentry) – a joint undertaking by the Eastern Institute of Technology and WINZ – is attracting significant interest. Some 12 to 18 students will be accepted for February’s first intake.

Classes are to be based at EIT’s Learning Centre in Waipukurau two days a week while on a third day students will be transported to various sites for practical hands-on experience working on community-based projects.

Like Todd, tutor Mike Karauria has a link with Central Hawke’s Bay. From Mahia, he attended Te Aute College.

Todd, who oversees EIT’s refocused direction in trades training, went to Waipukura Primary School – where his mother, Sue Rogers, is a teacher – and he was head prefect at Central Hawke’s Bay College.

The programme Mike will be teaching is modelled on a highly successful community-based training initiative launched in Napier last year – the Certificate in Carpentry (Level 2), which was developed by EIT in association with Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotu and WINZ.

“It’s been huge for Napier,” says Todd. “In all honesty, it’s changed lives for some of those who have taken part.”

Most of the students were WINZ clients and that will also be the case for the Central Hawke’s Bay course.

“ Talking to people in the area, they know the programme is coming and are quite excited about it. WINZ has plenty of students lined up for us in Central Hawke’s Bay.”

The programme will start on February 13 with two weeks of group activities aimed at building a team culture.
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