Wintec, in partnership with four Waitomo and Otorohanga secondary schools, has opened a Regional Trades Academy in Te Kuiti.
Twenty-three Year 11 students from Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Te Kuiti High School and Piopio and Otorohanga colleges began their first one-week block course on Monday.
They will be building motorbikesas part of a project-driven teaching programme giving the students automotive, electrical and engineering skills and the relevant NCEA unit standards.
The academy's three-year programme will see students attend six times a year, for one week each time.
Ultimately, it will encourage many students from the area to stay at school for longer by engaging them in hands-on learning.
The academy, one of 16 throughout the country, allows Year 11-13 students interested in a career in trades or technology to combine practical tertiary study with studies toward their NCEA qualification.
Principal Timoti Harris is excited that six of Otorohanga College's young people are participating in the academy.
"These boys want to learn and they want to learn in a more practical way.
"The trades academy not only allows our students to undertake study for three years in a success-focused environment, it also allows our young people to glimpse a world of higher study and see themselves as being able to be successful members within it," he says.
"This initiative is all about supporting our young people to grow and learn and ultimately about strengthening their future."
Wintec chief executive Mark Flowers says the academy uses the same course material, teaching methods and tutors as the Waikato Trades Academy and will operate with community focus and input.
"We're also pleased to see a high Maori participation rate in the programme, 70 per cent, which will help achieve our goal of improving Maori educational outcomes."
