Secondary students now have a great opportunity to earn a trades or technology qualification while they are still at school – at no cost.
UCOL is heading one of the Government’s new trade’s academies – called U-Skills Central School Academy. In partnerships with local schools, places are available to Whanganui students in years 12-13 who are studying for NCEA level 2 and also want to gain a tertiary pre trade qualification.
Applications for study in 2012 are open now.
Trades academies allow students to be enrolled at both their secondary school and a tertiary training provider. As an academy Hub school, Wanganui City College is hosting two U-Skills programmes, Engineering and Joinery, both open to students from across the region. U-Skills are also offering programmes at the UCOL campus in Palmerston North, Fashion and Beauty, Electrotechnology( Electrical and Electronics) and Joinery.
The programmes are open to all students at any school in the region.
U-Skills training will be provided one day a week at UCOL or in blocks across the week at the Hub school, Wanganui City College, with the other days spent at students’ usual schools studying towards NCEA. The study is free and transport within Whanganui and to UCOL in Palmerston North is also free.
The Manager of U-Skills Jacqui Phillips says it’s a brilliant new initiative that brings gains for the Whanganui region. “It’s an opportunity for young people to get tertiary level training to start them on their chosen career path. U-Skills students will also have contact with local employers, alongside careers and personal development support.
“It’s a great way to encourage young people into trades where there are skill shortages in many areas – with more shortages predicted in the future.
Jacqui says studying under U-Skills offers the best of both worlds to students taking part. “They can continue to enjoy the support of their school environment and keep their friends, cultural and sporting activities, while experiencing study at a tertiary level and starting to build a career. They can look forward to excellent, sustainable pay rates in trades areas.”
Jacqui says students have great options at the end of their U-Skills study year: we will assist students to plan their future pathways going forward. This may be staying at school, going onto further tertiary study, moving into employment or an apprenticeship. These are excellent ways forward for young people and also bring gains for employers and the local economy.”
For an enrolment pack or more information phone 0800 46 8265.
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