Carpentry students utilising skills on house build

Whitireia carpentry students are putting their building skills to the test as they get underway with the building of a residential dwelling on site at the Whitireia Industry Training Centre in Porirua.

Building started on a 131m² house earlier this month.  The house will take the students six months to build; it has a completion date set down for late November.  The house will be marketed for sale once it is completed; as a transportable home.

Thirty two carpentry students have so far worked on the house, on tasks ranging from preparing the site to putting up framing.  Throughout the build phase plumbing, drainlaying, gasfitting, electrical and trade skills students will join the carpentry students in completing this building project.

Building an actual house is one of the best learning tools for students said Noel Aunoa, Carpentry Tutor, Whitireia.  “It provides the students with great practical experience; they gain a clear understanding of how things work on a building site.” 

The house will comprise of four bedrooms, with the master including an ensuite, lounge, bathroom and kitchen.  The exterior cladding will be completed in weatherboard.  Whitireia are pleased to partner with Bunnings on this building project.

This practical hands-on, building project is great for our students said Don Campbell, Chief Executive, Whitireia.  “It equips our students with the relevant skills required for the workforce; this experience provides them with a real insight into the building industry.”

The carpentry programme at Whitireia is a popular one year, full-time, practical hands-on programme.  It turns out students ready for an apprenticeship in the building and construction industry.