New workshop, course will bring back building

It’s no secret there’s a shortage of tradies in New Zealand - but a provincial polytechnic hopes to change that with the construction of a new programme.

While the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (Witt) has pointed to plummeting student enrolments as the reason for cutting six courses in language, education and arts, the opposite has occurred for the trades.

Student enrolment in electrical, automotive, and engineering has retained healthy numbers while interest in carpentry has increased, Witt programme manager of trades Kyle Hall said.

‘‘I think with all the media coverage on tradie shortage in the last six to 12 months, students have noticed this is something that will guarantee them a job,’’ he said.

This year Witt has introduced a level three New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills, Carpentry programme.

And with it, the construction of a new 264 square-metre workshop stocked with all the traditional tools including table saws, wood lathes and linishers.

Courses are due to begin February 26 but the workshop, which is still awaiting consent approval from the New Plymouth District Council, would not be completed until end of April.

The new programme, which is offered at 21 other polytechnics and universitys throughout New Zealand, offers students a ‘‘holistic way of learning’’, Hall said.

This was due to a structure void of unit standards and instead based off portfolio work including thrice a week classroom time and twice a week of work experience.

A total of 200 work hours would help get students ‘‘work ready’’ - a skill requirement requested by those in the industry, Hall said.

While the carpentry programme is something to be celebrated, Hall said, it was not alone in popularity as automotive, electrical and engineering courses have retained strong enrolment numbers.

‘‘When construction is positive, all trades are doing well,’’ he said.

Two months prior Witt announced English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Early Childhood Education (ECE), and the Diploma in Creative Technology courses were axed.

It was said low enrolment numbers coupled with a lacking need for workers in the industry led to the decision.

But the pressure for tradies has anything but quieted and Hall said it became evident Witt needed to offer opportunities in construction for Taranaki students.

‘‘Based on what we’re seeing, it’s looking good,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s about doing this right.’’ ‘‘We’re bringing building back to Witt.’’