More than 100 groups line up to run trades academies

The first of five trades academies for New Zealand schools opens next year in South Auckland -- and 113 applications have been received to run the others, the government says.

The first academy was due to open next year at the Southern Cross Campus in Mangere.

The Ministry of Education had received 113 expressions of interest from 58 schools, 17 tertiary institutions and 38 other providers, according to education minister Anne Tolley in a statement released last week.

The academy scheme aims to get local students into trades training and service industries and address nationwide needs for tradespeople and professionals.

The government planned at least five such academies before 2011 to provide specialised education for students who wanted to opt for practical hands-on learning experiences and careers in applied technology.

According to a press release Southern Cross Campus, it would guarantee Modern Apprenticeships to students who successfully completed a two-year programme in an area in which they had gained work experience.

The academy would combine classroom learning and a work experience programme. Students would have their studies, career planning and work experience individually tracked on the school’s student management system.

Students would study practical workplace skills such as use of laser equipment, digital measurement, health and safety, and first aid as well as subjects such as contract law, logistics, design, project management and business communication.

Southern Cross Campus was earmarked for substantial funding to construct specialised facilities for the new academy.

It had a track record in vocational training and strong contact with local schools and training providers.

Resources

To read the Southern Cross Campus press release, go to this web page.

A Manukau Courier story is at this web page.

A statement from Anne Tolley is at this web page.