A very special delegation from the East Coast was fêted at the Prime Minister’s inaugural education awards held at Te Papa in Wellington.

As runner-up in the Educational Focus Prize –  Takatū Prize, the section focusing on learnerled  pathways, the Tairāwhiti Schools Trades Academy @ EIT, supported by five Ngāti  Porou secondary schools forming part of the  successful programme, was presented with a  certificate and cheque for $6000.

EIT chief executive Chris Collins says: “The  results for the students involved have been  outstanding, and the feedback from schools  about EIT’s approach has been incredibly  positive.”

The programme was one of just 16 finalists  from 163 entries over five categories.  Launched in 2012, the Trades Academy draws  high school students from as far north as Te Araroa through to Wairoa in the south to the Tairāwhiti campus every Friday to learn a range of skills – hair and beauty, carpentry, automotive, mechanical engineering, automotive, hospitality, agriculture and health and fitness.

Trades Academy manager Paul Hursthouse says the award confirms the excellence of the programme.

“We are delighted with this recognition of the academy, the support from the local community and, most importantly, the difference it is making for our students.”

Students have the opportunity to achieve valued NCEA Level 2 credits while also gaining a taste of possible career paths. Some of the early students are now pursuing higher qualifications at EIT Tairāwhiti.

“Our Ngäti Porou schools are benefitting through the academy extending their curriculum. Schools in isolated areas are often unable to provide the full range of subjects or learning opportunities that allow students to follow their interest and reach their potential.

“Bringing the trades academy nearer to these communities has lifted student retention and achievement and opened a world of new
possibilities for young people in the region.”

Sharing the excitement, Tairāwhiti campus director Jan Mogford says it was a real coup for the academy to be recognised at national level.