Carpentry now offered in Ashburton and Oamaru

17 June 2011

Aoraki Polytechnic is offering the Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) in Oamaru and Ashburton for the first time. Central South Islanders are being given the chance to help with the rebuild of Christchurch and the nationwide skill shortage of qualified trades people through a proposed carpentry programme at Aoraki Polytechnic, due to start mid July as well as an additional mid-year stream being offered at the Timaru campus.

The twelve month course needs at least 16 students at each campus to run and Aoraki have set up campus shops in the main streets for the month of June to enable easy access to mid-year enrolment advice. Located 326 East Street, next to Todds in Ashburton and 127 Thames Street, opposite the Opera House in Oamaru, the shops are now open, week days 10am - 4pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm.

Project Manager Andrew Batt said Aoraki Polytechnic is committed to contributing towards solutions to Christchurch’s and New Zealand’s skill shortage and is keen to put on additional programmes to meet this need.

“Aoraki Polytechnic have been working on a project for some time and recognises there is a need for qualified trades people. To put things in perspective the country has lost 7000 carpenters in recent years – so even prior to the needs of Christchurch there is a shortage of builders.”

Students will receive a full year of practical skills and theoretical training on the programme. Including completion of all the theory units for the National Certificate in Carpentry and a range of practical work as required for the first year of an apprenticeship.

“These programmes represent the first stage in gaining a nationally recognised qualification in trades. It is envisaged that once the programme is completed a student will be able to gain a place in the industry and sign up with an Industry Training Organisation to complete their studies part time while working. The goal being for each student to complete a National Certificate at Level 4 and from there on to Level 5 and beyond.” Aoraki also offer the National Certificate in Construction (Leading Hand) (Level 4) delivered part time, for those already in the industry who want to move into the leading hand role.

An information day is being held on campus in Ashburton on the 5 July, Oamaru 6 July and Timaru 23 June from 3pm - 7pm to enable people to find out more about mid-year programmes, speak to tutors and see the facilities. The Carpentry and other Trade programmes are set to commence 18 July.

ENDS

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