Academy set up for construction training

A NEW Balclutha training academy will help high school pupils make their way in the construction industry.

The Big River Homes Trades Academy will open in the town tomorrow.

It is an initiative by the Otago SecondaryTertiary College, which is a partnership between the Otago Polytechnic and secondary schools in the region.

It will blend secondary and tertiary study, as well as industry experience working on a substantial project with a local construction company.

Up to 13 South Otago High School pupils will enrol in the fullyear programme designed to lead them into tertiary careers while also earning credits towards NCEA.

They will gain competency in health and safety, site awareness, safe tool use, and all aspects of the work involved in a major project.

Big River Homes director Mark van Asperen said it was an ‘‘opportunity to show young people that by gaining a trade they are investing in their future’’.

‘‘It’s great that we can help to show young people how to gain qualifications and skills that will open many opportunities for them in their lives.

‘‘Also, we feel it’s an opportunity for us to attract young people into the trade to help with the intense construction workload this part of the country is currently experiencing and which looks set to continue.’’

Big River Homes will facilitate a house build.

Students in the programme will be involved in all aspects of the construction of a small cottage, which will then be sold.

Otago Polytechnic secondary-- tertiary manager Andy Kilsby said the programme was an exciting innovation.

It was a new way for the college to ‘‘partner with regional secondary schools and industry to strengthen pathways for students in the region’’, he said.

South Otago High School principal Mike Wright said his school already had a building and construction course and the new offering was an extension of that.

‘‘Students will be involved in building an actual home and learning about working on a building site and the demands of the construction industry.

‘‘By being based locally, there will be an opportunity for students to be introduced to local builders. The programme provides a connection for students to move from education to employment or further training with a tertiary provider.’’

The programme will be launched with a powhiri at South Otago High School at 9.30am tomorrow.