13 September 2012
Students to showcase motorbikes at Regional Trades Academy
Students from Otorohanga College, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Te Kuiti High School and Piopio College will showcase their
motorbikes to the public next Friday – the end product from their first year at the newly launched Regional Trades
Academy in Te Kuiti.
Wintec, in partnership with the four Waitomo and Otorohanga secondary schools, opened the Regional Trades Academy in May
as a gateway for year 11-13 students interested in a career in trades or technology. The programme allows students to
combines practical tertiary study with studies towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).
Twenty-two students will display their motorbikes, created as part of the project-driven programme to give students
automotive, electrical and engineering skills and NCEA unit standards.
Wintec automotive tutor, Paul Price, said: “We’re delighted to see such engaged, committed and competent students. I’m
particularly impressed with the positive, ‘can do’ attitudes we’ve seen from this group. Attendance is currently sitting
at 80% and a very high percentage of the students have indicated they will be returning for year two.
“The support we’ve had from local schools, businesses, parents, mayors and Wintec staff has been humbling. We’ve
received everything from seats for the motorbikes, spray cans and motorbike frames to meals for the staff and students.”
Liane Green, Acting Principal of Te Wharekura O Maniapoto said: “I marvel at how motivated our students have become
since their participation in the programme.
“It’s given them an incentive to go forward in the area they aspire in. They are now very clear about what they want to
do and they have a real insight into what is required at that next level. They now see the relevance of what they learn
at school, the relevance of maths to mechanics for example and of being able to write clear briefs.”
The academy’s three-year programme sees students attend a weekly course six times a year. Ultimately it aims to
encourage many students from the area to stay at school for longer by engaging them in hands-on learning.
Background information
The Regional Trades Academy offers National Certificate Level 2 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Motor
Industry.
Regional Trades Academy partner schools are: Otorohanga College, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Te Kuiti High School and
Piopio College.The Regional Trades Academy will be holding an event to showcase the motorbikes on Friday 21 September from 11am –
1:00pm) at 40 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti. It will be attended by the students, their families, secondary school
representatives, Wintec staff, local business owners and council members.
ENDS