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Wairoa Students to Build Themselves a Future

April 4, 2018

In a first for Wairoa, EIT is offering a hands-on practical programme that will see students building a house from start to finish in the heart of town.

The level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades Skills (Carpentry) is a pathway for students who are aiming for a career in the building industry.

EIT offers the programme on its Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti campuses and has also opened up the certificate to smaller communities – Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria, Dannevirke and Waipukurau. Many of those who gain the qualification go on to secure apprenticeships.

Head of school for Trades and Technology Todd Rogers says there’s strong support among local Māori leaders and district councillors for offering the programme in Wairoa.

Students are learning all the phases involved in constructing the 60sq m house being built behind EIT’s Wairoa Learning Centre.

‘It’s really learning on the job,” Todd says. “There will be some theory, but the content of the programme is largely practical and hands-on.”

The completed house will be offered for sale by tender, and the hope is that it will remain in Wairoa to help meet the housing shortage in the area.

EIT has previously offered the level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills – Construction in Wairoa and many of those who completed the programme last year have progressed to Level 3 studies.

The 39-week full-time level 3 programme started in mid-February. EIT hopes to offer both programmes in Wairoa in alternate years.