The academy is a partnership between the schools and the Otago Polytechnic's Cromwell campus.
Classes begin on Friday.
The first intake is made up of 30 boys and five girls who will spend one day a week as part of the academy and the remaining four days at their respective high schools.
Otago Polytechnic regional manager Jean Tilleyshort said the response had been "terrific" and the academy had clearly struck a chord.
"Parents, students and teachers believe this will provide the students with clear post-school direction and offer a head start into achieving qualifications that are valuable for the student as well as the region," Mrs Tilleyshort said.
Year 11-13 pupils at Dunstan High School, Cromwell College, Roxburgh Area School, Maniototo Area School, Wakatipu High School and Mt Aspiring College are eligible to be involved.
The Government announced the initiative in September and the Cromwell trade academy is one of 10 around the country.
Anne Tolley, who was then the education minister, said the aim was to providepractical skills training for secondary school pupils who were at risk of "disengaging" from education, while allowing them to study for NCEA credits and tertiary qualifications.
The first intake at the Central Lakes Trades Academy will focus on either the automotive industry, carpentry or agriculture.
Academy co-ordinator Raewyn Paviour said the number of trades offered would be expanded over time.
"It's really good for the polytechnic to be working so closely with the schools and the feedback we're already getting from pupils andparents of pupils is really positive about this," she said.
