Good progress on course

Eight weeks into the 14-week Level Two Building and Construction EIT course and progress is very good in Dannevirke.

Bench seats and five picnic tables have been made and mostly sold at cost while a building under 10sq m has been completed and another started.

Along the way the 10 students have been learning carpentry skills, gaining good work habits and getting a taste of carpentry as a possible future career. At the end of the course they will have NCEA level two qualifications and training in getting a job, including developing a CV, filling out application forms and interview techniques.

Students range in age from 16 to 40, and two are female.

Tumu ITM has again provided the venue for the construction segments while Tararua Youth Services hosts the written component.

Builders looking for workers can contact EIT through Tararua Youth Services on 06 374 9214. One student has already gained a fulltime job.

If anyone is wanting a bench, a picnic table — there are two left — or the building, contactEIT. Tutors said the building would make a spare bedroom, rumpus room or office and is easy to install as it does not require a consent.

EIT is planning to run an automotive course for July in Dannevirke if there is enough interest.

Not all practical work — EIT Employment Preparation tutor Vicky Truman (centre) coaches the students in job application practice, helped by Student Support member Kathryn Lee, also from EIT.