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Whangaparāoa College is establishing a Trades Academy aimed at providing Year 12 and 13 students with practical pathways into apprenticeships.
The school’s board recently approved phase one of the project, which involves purchasing a flood-damaged house from Auckland Council. The house will be transported to the college grounds, where students will reconstruct it back into sellable condition.
The academy will give students hands-on experience in various trades under the guidance of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). Technology teacher Allan Moran sees the project as a valuable opportunity for young people.
“We’re helping kids from all backgrounds into apprenticeships,” Moran says. “It’s about starting earlier, working hands-on with tradespeople, and strengthening community partnerships. The attitude toward trades has shifted positively because of better pay parity, and students now see trades as a pathway to success.”
Sixteen-year-old Year 12 student Lochie Chamberlain already has his sights set on becoming a plumber. He has been working alongside his father, who runs an irrigation business, for several years, which inspired him to look at a trades career.
“It’s a great idea and a good way to gain work experience,” he says. “I’ve always wanted a plumbing apprenticeship, so this academy is perfect for me.”
Fifteen-year-old Hailey-Louise Weever is keen to encourage more girls to explore trades careers and sees the academy as a stepping stone toward tertiary education. She wants to explore all her options first.
“I’d love to be a role model for other girls,” she says. “This academy will help me learn about different trades, gain experience, and find the best career path for me.”
Whangaparāoa principal Steve McCracken says he hopes to connect with the Hibiscus Coast community for support, both material and financial, to help make the Trades Academy a success.
“The focus will be redeveloping it as a sustainable coastal house and once sold, any proceeds will be rolled back into the programme,” he says.
“It will help create career pathways and opportunities for our students, so they can either progress to further tertiary study or on to apprenticeships.”
