Northland College students build a future

Students at Northland College are building their own future as they flock to combine study with work experience.

The new Trade and Enterprise School (TES) at the college has been very popular with students. Eight Year 12s began studying carpentry mid-way through 2006 and will continue in to Year 13. The mid-year start/finish enables students to go on to apprenticeships through Te Runanga o te Rarawa.

"This year, 49 students have applied for 12 carpentry places. We also offer programmes in hospitality and agriculture/ horticulture," says Principal John Tapene.

Kena Poutai, L13, and fellow carpentry students help build a house as part of their studies with Northland College's Trade and Enterprise School. Credit: Northland News.

The carpentry students build houses, funded by Te Rau Marama Trust, Kaikohe. The completed houses are moved off-site, under the direction of the Housing Foundation.

"The students are very keen. They worked up to 18 December when school closed and started back on 15 January."

The enterprise school students gain nationally accredited certificates. They also must meet NCEA level one requirements in literacy and numeracy.

"Students can start their careers while still having the security of home and school. The tutors put them through their paces on what life's like outside school and many students work for building contractors in the weekends," Mr Tapene says.

Mr Tapene says the enterprise school is supported by Northland's business community. It enables students to be trained locally and supply the area with much-needed skills.

The 460-pupil school also makes use of distance learning e.g. online or video conferencing, to offer a range of subjects across the academic spectrum.