Students look for work experience

With the end of the study year in sight, the Ag Challenge painting crew are looking for work experience or full time employment. They are (from left) Tyler Dilloway-Hughes, George Henry, Mana Te Oka, Dion Hunapo-Harrison, Drew Dilloway-Hughes, Denver McGhee, Kayden Jones (kneeling), Kerrin Townsend, Beau Fletcher, Nuku Rerekuru (kneeling) and tutor Glen Blythe.

With the end of the study year nigh, Ag Challenge carpentry and painting students are focusing on securing work experience or employment opportunities.

Ag Challenge manager Peter Macdonald said the carpentry students of 2016 had been an exceptional group, knuckling down at the beginning of the course and completing units of learning at the pace of a race horse on the home straight.

"This has meant that this group of students has completed all of the theory several weeks prior to the completion of the programme, but the upside of it has meant that they have had opportunity to not only work on relocatable buildings, but assist with the establishment of these relocatable teaching spaces," Mr Macdonald said.

"Students have been involved in the establishment of these buildings and building of the decks around them. These additional teaching or meeting spaces will be a welcomed addition to facilities in 2017.

"Given the anticipated increase in provision of programmes in 2017 across all areas of delivery, including carpentry, agriculture, painting and animal technology, these spaces are a welcome addition to the infrastructure for Ag Challenge."

The carpentry course continues to serve the industry well with a majority of the 2016 students now placed in work experience, while some look promising to become apprentices.

The carpentry tutors are looking for students who see a career in an industry that is very buoyant and has numerous opportunities for employment nationally.

"Plenty of interest has already been shown for 2017 in this programme, so contact the admin team or tutors Alan or Karney to discuss a position on this programme," Mr Macdonald said.

"The painting programme that is being delivered in conjunction with NorthTec here in Whanganui continues to go from strength to strength, with local tutor Glen Blyth leading this programme alongside the other trade team members.

"This programme has 10 students undertaking an introduction to painting level 2 programme designed to give them the skills to enter the painting and decorating industry.

We are now able to paint outside given the weather has been more favourable. Currently the students are working on the local community pool at Okoia School, giving the pool and surrounds a colour makeover.

"This programme is also very much supported by the local painting industry. Industry is taking an active interest in just how these students are progressing. The local industry has been proactive in coming in and addressing the students about industry expectations and opportunities."

In the coming weeks some of these students too are likely to get an opportunity to undertake work experience with local painters in both the commercial and residential space.

"It's the work experience that provides the opportunity for potential employers to see if a student has the skills they need in a future employee."