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Pre-Trades Programme Develops Practical Skills

March 4, 2015
Sione Kaulave, working on a “roof” in the workshop at EIT.

Sione Kaulave, working on a “roof” in the workshop at EIT.

Now just weeks away from completing a pre-trades certificate in plumbing and gasfitting, Sione Kaulave didn’t think he’d go the distance with the course.

From Flaxmere, Sione enrolled for the EIT programme because his parents suggested he do a trade after leaving St John’s College in Hastings.

“I didn’t think I would last this long, but I like it,” the 19-year-old says of the pre-trades course. “I’ve got no regrets.  I like the practical side of it and there’s something different to do every day.”

Sione is doing well at EIT, winning the Leaders Award at a training camp held at Aramoana for trades students showing leadership qualities.

He’s also a gifted sportsman, enjoying boxing, volleyball, rugby and rugby league.

Having played flanker and on the blind side for the Clive Rugby Club, Sione trialled for the Under-19 Hawke’s Bay rugby team. Although he didn’t make the squad, he’s been told to keep fit in case he’s called in to replace an injured player.

Now that the rugby season is over, he’s back into league, playing last man for MAC in Flaxmere.

As he progresses through the unit standards that count towards the National Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting (Level 4), Sione says he particularly enjoys Thursday’s real-life work experiences. That can involve wide ranging tasks, from unblocking drains to installing a gas heater.

The programme’s tutor, Chris Olsen helps arrange these work experiences for the students.

“The course is about getting our students work ready,” Chris says. “It provides them with a good sound base for working and securing apprenticeships in the plumbing and gasfitting industry.  They learn about the different tools and 90 percent of the students are doing work experiences.

“It’s a maturing phase too,” Chris explains, “for the young ones who have just left school.”