Trades Academy Intake Continues To Grow

Trades Academy Intake Continues To Grow

Hawke’s Bay Schools Trades Academy @ EIT welcomed 260 high school students yesterday (Friday, 21 February) in the third year for the highly successful partnership between the region’s secondary schools and EIT.

Each Friday, students accepted into the programme travel to EIT to study their chosen trades programme.

With computer technician and fashion added to this year’s offerings, the students have been able to choose from 12 different courses. Others are agriculture, animal care, automotive, building and construction, hair and beauty services, health and fitness, hospitality, tourism and travel and trade skills.

This year, Te Aute College and Central Hawke’s Bay College joined other Hawke’s Bay schools taking part in the academy scheme.

EIT trades academy manager Paul Hursthouse says the benefits are far-reaching.

“The academy gives schools greater curriculum choice, expands the horizons of students looking at career opportunities and gives them the confidence to move into apprenticeships or further tertiary study. And while they are at EIT, they are also achieving industry-based NCEA credits.”

Paul says the region has embraced the concept of the academy. Some participants in earlier intakes are now in full-time study at EIT.

“The programme allows students to find their niche and hopefully they go on to explore that even further.

Similar programmes have been offered in other parts of New Zealand, says Paul, but EIT has been a stand-out for student enthusiasm and uptake.

ENDS

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