20 places for trades education

Cromwell is to get one of 10 new trades academies being established around New Zealand by the Ministry of Education next year to provide practical skills training for secondary school pupils while they study for NCEA credits and tertiary qualifications.

Education Minister Anne Tolley announced yesterday the Central Lakes Trades Academy would initially have 20 places for courses such as tourism, primary industries, building and construction, horticulture, hospitality, the motor industry and hairdressing.

The Cromwell-based Central Otago campus of the Otago Polytechnic would be lead provider, in partnership with Mt Aspiring College (Wanaka), Dunstan High School (Alexandra) and Cromwell College.

The number of fees-free places for 16 and 17-year-olds in trades academies would increase to 2000 from next year, as the Government focused on young people at risk of disengaging from education, and better preparing them for the workplace and further education, Mrs Tolley said.

"Trades academies, which opened in New Zealand for the first time this year, are already making a big difference for those students who don't always fit into the regular classroom but are eager to learn practical skills and reach their potential.

"Schools are partnering with tertiary providers, employers and industry training organisations to give 16- and 17-year-olds a more flexible way of learning, and the vocational skills which will give them more career choices," she said.

Cromwell College principal Mason Stretch said he and the school's board of trustees was excited by the announcement.

"I think it's the potential of the arrangement to keep pupils in education. It's a real opportunity to better the community."

Mrs Tolley said local economies would benefit from the new trades academies as more young people would be ready to enter the workplace.

"By 2014, 12,500 places will be available for 16 and 17-year-olds in trades academies, service academies and the wider Youth Guarantee as we give our young people the chance to obtain worthwhile qualifications and skills training which will lead to successful careers," she said.