Unitec to open state-of-the-art training centre

Unitec to open state-of-the-art training centre

Unitec’s reputation as the number one provider of trades training takes a step into the future with the opening of a new purpose-built facility for plumbing and gasfitting on 26 May .

The new $1.6million state-of-the-art assessment centre will provide plumbing and gasfitting students with the necessary training required in a real-world environment using the latest learning technologies.

Mt Albert MP David Shearer will officially open the centre. It will be followed by an industry trades expo in the evening.

Acting Head of Department Plumbing and Gasfitting, Nick Fleckney, says students will be able to “complete a wide range of tasks that are designed to represent all the elements of a modern dwelling.”

“At the same time, lecturers will be able to observe their work done in real time with all the advantages of a replica small home or commercial environment.”

The opening of the new centre is part of Unitec’s long-term strategy to provide similar facilities for its other trades training programmes including carpentry, boat building, marine engineering, automotive and mechanical engineering, electro-technology, drainlaying and welding, and fabrication.

Unitec’s goal is to provide facilities that are equipped to cope with the ever-changing trades industry.

Executive Dean for the Faculty of Built Environment, David Nummy, says the establishment of the centre is only the beginning of a major upgrade for his faculty.

“Many tertiary institutions, including Unitec, realise the importance of investing more resources in the trades area particularly as it’s an industry that is constantly changing and calling out for people who are able to adapt to these changes.

“With the current skill shortages and things like leaky homes hurting the trades industry, if there is going to be growth in this area, then we need to act now.”

The vision the faculty has for its future is to provide a flexible space that can be easily changed to accommodate the various trades the students are studying. For example, a space that plumbing students use one day can easily be converted to accommodate automotive students the next day.

“One of the challenges will be dealing with the hazards and the noise that each trades discipline has so one possibility could be building a big workshop divided into different areas and using moveable noise barriers.

“But that’s what’s exciting about this development. Whatever the solution is, it will enable us to arm our students with even more relevant skills that our industry partners are looking for.”

The new training and assessment centre will also meet the needs of tradespeople already working in the industry who are now required to renew their licenses annually.

ENDS

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