Cadetship to use best of past

Waiariki Institute of Technology is launching a new Waiariki Maori Carpentry Cadetship this year, taking its concept from a Maori trade training model used in the 1960s and 1970s.

The cadetship will include trade skills, paid work, cultural components, learning how to run a business and learning how to be a good leader.

Waiariki School of Trade Training director Kevin Uncles said the strength of the four-year course was the range of learning options.

"What Waiariki is offering with this cadetship programme is a combination of theory and valuable practical skills," he said. "Students will be assisted to gain paid apprenticeship opportunities which will enable them to earn while they learn."

The course is not limited to Maori, it's open to anyone to apply, but it will include cultural components as well as marae stay during its course.

Keith Ikin, Waiariki deputy chief executive Maori, said using the best of the past in a current model was a great idea.

"What was successful about the former Maori Trade Training from the 60s and 70s was the sense of whanau amongst the students," Mr Ikin said. "We want to replicate that sense of family and believe this will raise the success rates for our students. We are looking for highly motivated individuals and will do all we can to support them, not just to achieve a valuable trade but to go on to be successful leaders and business owners."

Work is under way to secure and provide an accommodation option for 2014, so people from outside the area can take part in the course, which was a key part of the 1960s scheme.

There are 20 spots open for the new Waiariki Maori Carpentry Cadetship.