New Malbrorough and Nelson programme delivery

Top of the South Trades Academy launches new Marlborough and Nelson programme delivery in collaboration with Connexis

The Top of the South Trades Academy is launching a new programme delivery in collaboration with the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation Connexis for Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson secondary school students this week (subs Thursday 17 March in Marlborough and Friday 18 March in Nelson).

The programme 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.

The collaboration is a first for Connexis which provides qualifications for on-job training, including assessment resources along with support and guidance, to trainees who are already employed within the infrastructure industry.

“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.”

ENDS

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