Witt adds carpentry course

There’s such a demand for carpentry training in New Plymouth that the city’s polytech has commissioned a second carpentry course.

The Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki (Witt) has announced it will run a second New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) Carpentry in October and enrolments are being taken immediately. Academic director Rod Bentham said Witt was confident of continued demand.

‘‘The regional labour market statistics showed strong growth in positions in the construction industry both nationally and in Taranaki,’’ he said.

‘‘It makes sense to ensure we are providing trained people into the market.’’

The first course, which started in February, ‘‘maxed out’’ at 30 students, he said. The course prepares students to go straight into an apprenticeship at a building site. Bentham said the course would provide access to work for students, who could find jobs either in Taranaki or outside the region.

Witt upgraded its carpentry programme this year by approving the construction of a 264-square metre carpentry workshop at its New Plymouth campus. Work is underway and students should be using it by May. Witt chief executive Barbara George said Witt had a good reputation for creating hands-on programmes.

‘‘Students see opportunities for employment in a growing construction industry,’’ she said.

George expected to have enough applications to fill the second course.

‘‘We have good enrolment and inquiry levels at this point. It’s really great to see this level of engagement and optimism in our region and Witt is keen to be working with the industry to ensure the right skills for employment.’’

Witt had enrolled about 120 students in electrical, automotive, engineering and carpentry disciplines when the first semester began this year.

The government plans to build 100,000 new homes over the next 10 years and there are significant building projects on the drawing board in Taranaki as well as Manawatu¯ /Whanganui.