Manawatu youth get free fees & transport for trades training

12 January 2012

Manawatu young people get free fees, free transport for trades training

Secondary students now have a great opportunity to earn a trades or technology qualification while they are still at school – at no cost.

UCOL is heading one of the Government’s new trade’s academies – called U-Skills Central School Academy. In a partnership with Awatapu College, places are available to Manawatu students in years 12-13 who are studying for NCEA level 2 and also want to gain a tertiary pre trade qualification.

Trades academies allow students to be enrolled at both their secondary school and a tertiary training provider. As an academy Hub school, Awatapu College in Palmerston North is hosting the U-Skills Small Motors programme. U-Skills are also offering a Fashion and Beauty programme, Electrotechnology (Electrical and Electronics) and Joinery at the Palmerston North UCOL campus. These programmes are available to students from any school in the region.

U-Skills training will be provided one day a week at UCOL or in blocks across the week at the Hub school. The other days are spent at school studying towards NCEA. The study is free and transport is funded.

Awatapu has already filled its quota of U-Skills students but there are still vacancies for students who want to study at the UCOL campus.

The Manager of U-Skills Jacqui Phillips says it’s a brilliant new initiative that brings gains for the Manawatu region. “It’s an opportunity for young people to get tertiary level training that will start them on their chosen career path. U-Skills students will also have contact with local employers, as well as careers and personal development support.

“It’s a great way to encourage young people into trades where there are skill shortages in many areas – with more shortages predicted in the future.”

Jacqui says studying under U-Skills offers the best of both worlds to students taking part. “They can continue to enjoy the support of their school environment and keep their friends, cultural and sporting activities, while experiencing study at a tertiary level and starting to build a career. They can look forward to excellent, sustainable pay rates in trades’ areas.”

Jacqui says students have great options at the end of their U-Skills study year: “We will assist students to plan their future pathways. This may include staying at school, going onto further tertiary study, moving into employment or an apprenticeship. These are excellent ways forward for young people and also bring gains for employers and the local economy.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media