Matamata Chronicle

Building students’ future careers

- EMMA JAMES

Students from five different Waikato schools, including Matamata College, took part in a constructi­on tour around Cambridge.

The aim was to introduce them to different aspects of the building industry, which has a high demand for tradespeop­le.

BCITO organised the tour, and run it annually.

Group manager Bruce Horsley said it was a chance to show students that there are alternativ­es to university, where people can still have a successful career.

‘‘The industry has a desperate shortage of skilled tradespeop­le so we want to open up the opportunit­y for school students to see what it’s about,’’ he said.

‘‘Apprentice­ships lead to big qualificat­ions in constructi­on, and supervisor careers. They’re not just coming in on one level, there are multiple opportunit­ies to have a big career.’’

He said the high demand for builders came down to immigratio­n rates and people looking to move out of Auckland.

‘‘We have to house them somewhere,’’ he said.

Cambridge High School Gateway teacher Liz Wilson said it was a great opportunit­y for the students.

‘‘I think it will raise awareness for the students that there are different aspects of constructi­on, and possible job opportunit­ies would be wonderful,’’ she said.

All of the CHS students attending were in their last year of high school, so it’s important for them to find employment if they decide not to go to university.

Tongan CHS student Lisiate Sole, fondly known as ‘‘Solly’’ is here on a rugby scholarshi­p, but wants to become a builder.

‘‘I want to stay here in New Zealand and I want to build houses. I want those skills,’’ he said.

Cambridge High School, Putaruru College, Te Aroha College and Morrinsvil­le College were also involved.

While in Cambridge, the students donned hi-vis vests and visited Wackrow’s Joinery, Brewer Joinery Ltd, Branderson Homes and Carters Frame and Truss plant.

‘‘Our country needs more young people to learnt the skills and attributes that are in such high demand.

‘‘School leavers who decide they want to start an apprentice­ship can be confident they won’t struggle to get work,’’ BCITO chief executive Warwick Quinn said.

Throughout the country 127 schools and more than 1000 students got involved.

 ?? PHOTO: EMMA JAMES/FAIRFAX NZ. ?? Students from Matamata Morrinsvil­le, Matamata, Te Aroha and Putaruru colleges and Cambridge High School took part in BCITO’s Big Constructi­on Tour around Cambridge.
PHOTO: EMMA JAMES/FAIRFAX NZ. Students from Matamata Morrinsvil­le, Matamata, Te Aroha and Putaruru colleges and Cambridge High School took part in BCITO’s Big Constructi­on Tour around Cambridge.
 ?? PHOTO: TERESA RAMSEY/FAIRFAX NZ ?? A logging truck lost its load.
PHOTO: TERESA RAMSEY/FAIRFAX NZ A logging truck lost its load.

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