CPIT Trades graduates are ready for the rebuild
CPIT celebrated its top students across the range of trades in a ceremony on 5 December with many industry partners in
attendance.
Industry partners have donated prizes for the 52 awards to be given, including the new Top Female Trades Student award
which was first awarded in 2013. The winner in 2014 was electrician Ana Tooley, aged 26.
The awards recognise those students who have achieved excellence in their practical and/or theoretical assessments as
CPIT aims to equip trades graduates with all the tools they need to contribute to worksites around Christchurch.
“Many of our graduates will be contributing to the rebuild of Christchurch and it’s important that they accomplish a
high quality of work out there in the industry,” CPIT head of Trades Mike Field said.
Tomas Pivac took out the award for best pre-trades automotive. “I took the course because I wanted to do something hands
on and that’s exactly what it was. I went in not knowing much about engines or anything and I’ve learnt so much.” Pivac
now has an automotive apprenticeship lined up for the next three years.
Besides training, the CPIT Trades team help students with everything from accessing Studylink to numeracy and literacy
support.
CPIT upgraded its trades training facilities this year with government support. While demand for skilled tradespeople
remains high, CPIT is committed to providing workers who are competent, motivated and prepared for the realities of work
sites.
Industry input is important to CPIT’s trades training with industry partners donating equipment to the campus, taking on
apprentices or work placements and serving on CPIT’s programme advisory groups.
ENDS