High school students of the region have led the way throughout New Zealand with their demand for places in the new Tairāwhiti Schools Trades Academy @ EIT, which was officially opened in the city Friday 17th February.

Nearly 100 students from as far north as Te Araroa right through to Wairoa in the south packed into Toihoukura’s Maia Gallery for the momentous opening of the new trades acamedy, which covers hair and beauty, carpentry, automotive assembly, engineering, automotive and hospitality.

Due to the overwhelming interest around the East Coast, EIT was able to secure extra places from the original 48 that the Ministry of Education offered. Today students were welcomed and started their first day in the Tairāwhiti Schools Trades Academy @ EIT.

Trades Academy manager Paul Hursthouse says with all 11 schools from the region taking part the ministry increased its funding for Tairāwhiti.

Over the school year, 16 and 17-year-old students will be making the weekly trip to attend classes at EIT’s Tairāwhiti campus. There they will work towards NCEA Level 2 and industry-based tertiary qualifications while learning practical skills.

The Ministry of Education is providing support with transport which, in the case of students from Te Araroa, involves a five-hour return trip.

Mr Hursthouse said the Tairāwhiti Schools Trades Academy @ EIT partnership was underpinned by schools, parents and caregivers and the Eastern Institute of Technology.

“Principals have been very supportive, and the students want to benefit from their training. We are delighted with the response to this scheme, which can only help to keep students engaged in their senior years at school.”

As well as the qualification, the academy gives students a taste for a career, to see if it is something they would like to pursue after leaving school.

EIT chief executive Chris Collins said work on the academy had first started in 2008, and it was a delight to see it now officially underway. The travel time for some students was significant, and showed just how much commitment they had for the initiative.

“It’s great to see.”

Those in the trades section of the academy had a rather more challenging start to their studies, with a ‘boot camp’ session, including team building, fitness tests and strategising.

Students from Campion College, Kawaka Wamaitawhiti, Wairoa College, Tolaga Bay Area School, Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maōri a Te Waiu o Ngāti Porou, Te Karaka Area School, Ngata Memorial College, Lytton High School, Gisborne Girls’ High School and Gisborne Boys’ High School are all taking part.

Tairāwhiti’s Trades Academy is one of 10 opening around New Zealand this year. The initiative is aimed at re-engaging students in education by providing further opportunities to gain NCEA Level 2, and helping students identify clear pathways to further education, training and employment.