Students to showcase motorbikes at Regional Trades Academy

Students from Otorohanga College, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Te Kuiti High School and Piopio College will showcase their motorbikes to the public next Friday – the end product from their first year at the newly launched Regional Trades Academy in Te Kuiti.

Wintec, in partnership with the four Waitomo and Otorohanga secondary schools, opened the Regional Trades Academy in May as a gateway for year 11-13 students interested in a career in trades or technology. The programme allows students to combines practical tertiary study with studies towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).

Twenty-two students will display their motorbikes, created as part of the project-driven programme to give students automotive, electrical and engineering skills and NCEA unit standards.

Wintec automotive tutor, Paul Price, said: “We’re delighted to see such engaged, committed and competent students. I’m particularly impressed with the positive, ‘can do’ attitudes we’ve seen from this group.  Attendance is currently sitting at 80% and a very high percentage of the students have indicated they will be returning for year two.

“The support we’ve had from local schools, businesses, parents, mayors and Wintec staff has been humbling. We’ve received everything from seats for the motorbikes, spray cans and motorbike frames to meals for the staff and students.”

Liane Green, Acting Principal of Te Wharekura O Maniapoto said: “I marvel at how motivated our students have become since their participation in the programme.

“It’s given them an incentive to go forward in the area they aspire in. They are now very clear about what they want to do and they have a real insight into what is required at that next level. They now see the relevance of what they learn at school, the relevance of maths to mechanics for example and of being able to write clear briefs.”

The academy’s three-year programme sees students attend a weekly course six times a year.  Ultimately it aims to encourage many students from the area to stay at school for longer by engaging them in hands-on learning.

Background information
·         The Regional Trades Academy offers National Certificate Level 2 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Motor Industry.

·         Regional Trades Academy partner schools are: Otorohanga College, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Te Kuiti High School and Piopio College.