The Top of the South Trades Academy launched a new programme delivery in collaboration with Connexis for Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson secondary school students this week.
The programme, which is a first for Connexis, will provide students in Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson and Rai Valley with the opportunity to complete a level 2 National Certificate in Infrastructure Works while still at secondary school.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the cohort of students,” says Top of the South Trades Academy Manager Shaaron James. “They will be working under our tutors’ supervision at contracting sites within the Marlborough and Nelson regions and will be receiving training towards an industry qualification.
“This is a great way for them to prepare themselves for working in the civil infrastructure industry with a training provider that has the respect of industry itself. Students are able to experience the world of work and meet employers while still having the support structure, peer group interaction and pastoral care that comes with being at secondary school. For employers, this provides a chance for them to get to know students and see what they can do prior to the students leaving school.”
Students will train one day per week. Marlborough-based students will be based at Queen Charlotte College and Nelson, Tasman and Rai Valley students will be based at Nayland College. Transport is provided for students at no cost and taking part in the programme is also free.
There are currently seven students from Marlborough and ten students from Rai Valley and Nelson enrolled.
“The programme is open to all our trades academy school partners students,” says Ms James. “Students who complete the programme will receive a National Certificate in Infrastructure Works Level 2 which is worth 40 credits.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Top of The South Trades Academy to deliver Level 2 Certificate in Infrastructure Works,” says Fiona Malloch, Connexis Customer Service Area Manager Southern. “We know that employers are looking for people who are work ready, who are able to work safely onsite and with others, under direct supervision. This programme will teach students these skills and is an ideal step toward a career within the Infrastructure industry. Once employed the next step on the career pathway would be to enroll in a Civil Trades Apprenticeship qualification with Connexis.”
Nelson City Council Mayor Rachel Reese is also supportive of the initiative. “Industry training has become an enormously valuable means by which to upskill young people in Nelson which is why, as Mayor, I am very supportive of this new partnership between Top of the South Trades Academy and Connexis. This relationship helps achieve the goal of the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, which aims to ensure all young people under 25 are engaged in appropriate education, training, work or other activities.
“This is an excellent opportunity for young people to establish career pathways in a skilled industry. It will provide students in Nelson with the opportunity to learn through ‘real-world’ experiences as well as connect employers with potential future employees.”
Media enquiries:
Shaaron James
Manager - Top of the South Trades Academy
Ph 027 802 0104
About Top of the South Trades Academy
The Top of the South Trades Academy was launched in 2012 in partnership with Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Whenua Iti Outdoors and secondary schools across the Top of the South. Top of the South Trades Academy provides secondary students in the Nelson, Marlborough and Kaikoura regions with the opportunity to train for a job while they are still at school. Trades Academy training is practical, hands-on and free, with students studying anything from mechanical engineering and aquaculture to hairdressing and hospitality.
Students at the Top of the South Trades Academy programme launch day in Marlborough
From left to right (front row) Sarah Truscott , Rhiannon Hall, Nikita McGrannachan-Maru (middle row) Connor Hammerich, Floyd Wilson, Jack MacDonald (back row) Bryce Smith, tutor Dave Fowler, and James Scott.
