Got a spare garage in your backyard / pocket?

Wakatipu High School technology teacher Glenn Brickell is not joking when he asks locals to check their backyard for a spare portable garage.

“We desperately need a 12 x 12m workshop for our automotive engineering and other trade students, but there are no funds and that's a lot of sausage sizzles."

Mr Brickell said there is an urgent need for trades training in the district, but the economic downturn means that the businesses that have in the past provided practical training can no longer afford to do so.

As an A grade automotive engineer who ran an automotive course at Linfield College, Auckland for five years, Mr Brickell could take on this role if he had somewhere to work from. 

Government funding covers teaching, equipment and tools but does not contribute to the cost of somewhere to teach from.

Mr Brickell said students who would typically have left school to take up apprenticeships are finding them harder to gain, so Wakatipu High School wanted to be able to provide these skills.

"Our town needs tradespeople - and these kids need a career path.  All we need to provide this is a garage. 

"Perhaps there is a wannabe DIY man out there with a kitset garage not yet erected who would like to see it better used than gathering dust.  We would happily provide free oil and lubes for a decade in return."

For further information, please contact Glen Brickell at WHS 4427370.