Jan Mogford, Campus Director

It’s been a brilliant year on so many levels, it’s hard to know where to start. Our graduates from the inaugural Schools Trades Academies @ EIT Tairawhiti have shown everyone how important the programme is – so much so, that we’re running a second year for students in 2013 as well as welcoming a new intake of students.

We really didn’t envisage such a high level of interest, but the great news about that is the students will now be going up to the next level. The students have all really enjoyed being exposed to that practical hands-on work.

A number of 2012 graduates from our trades academy have applied for the automotive engineering course, as well as professional catering, hairdressing and fashion, so that’s a real bonus for everyone.

MP Anne Tolley, the former Minister of Education who has been a driving force behind the scheme, has visited during the year to check on progress and was on hand for the prize-giving.

We haven’t yet included agriculture and horticulture courses in the trades academy, but would if the demand is there. Our courses so far appear to have really hit the mark.

At the other end of education at the Tairawhiti campus we are looking to also increase the degrees on offer, and are hopeful that in 2014 we will have the Bachelor in Primary Teaching here. We’ve done extensive consultation with the community, through iwi, schools and other stakeholders, and that will continue through 2013 as we fine tune what we offer and just how we do it.

EIT Tairawhiti performed well in 2012, exceeding targets for numbers of students participating in, and successfully completing their programmes. It’s a real credit to our staff and their commitment to EIT Tairawhiti.

As we wound down 2012, we had already received a number of enrollments for 2013, and that’s a reflection of the standard of what we offer here and that dedication by our tutors.

Places are limited, so anyone thinking of further education, should enroll as soon as possible to guarantee a place..

We have a range of scholarships and youth guarantee places on offer, as well as some fee free programmes, so call and find out if any can be applied to you.

I hope everyone is having an enjoyable holiday period, and we all look forward to welcoming you to EIT Tairawhiti in the future..

Jan Mogford