Codie aims for the moon

In 10 years' time secondary school student, Codie Wetere, wants to construct buildings on the moon.

Codie believes the buildings will house the moon's first residents - an eclectic group of scientists and explorers.

But not long ago Codie was not aiming this high, he was barely making it to class and playing truant as much as he was showing up for roll call. But his school, Fairfield College in Hamilton, knew he had potential and offered Codie a place in a unique course that got him on the right pathway from school into the workforce to see him reach his full potential.

Wintec has teamed up with 26 local secondary schools to offer students interested in a career in trades or technology the opportunity to pursue a career in this industry while encouraging them to stay in school for longer.

Codie's school - Fairfield College - is one of the participating schools. Here, students can complete a course in construction and infrastructure and spend one day a week on-site at Wintec studying practical skills and applicable theory.

This secondary-tertiary collaboration is part of the government's 'Youth Guarantee' programme which develops 'networks' between secondary schools, tertiary providers, ITOs, industry and employers to ensure that all students are offered a curriculum which will give them a better chance of future employment and help with preparations for tertiary education.

Students can earn credits from the courses which contribute towards their NCEA Level 2 qualifications, and a Vocational Pathway Award. This shows that a student has linked their study to a particular sector and is on a 'pathway' to further study or employment. For example, students who have completed a course in carpentry or welding can earn a 'Construction & Infrastructure' Vocational Pathway Award.

The Trades Academy began in 2012 with 60 students. Now there are 420 students who study a range of courses from manufacturing and tourism to beauty and hospitality.

"We focus our attention on the students and create opportunities for them," says youth pathways manager, Rachel Bowley. "Many, who have dropped out of school or weren't performing in the classroom, are given a new chance to explore options which better suit them and become pathways to future work or study."

Fairfield College developed a construction and infrastructure course because of the strong interest by students in building and technology. One of those was Codie Wetere.

"I've learned heaps going to Wintec on Fridays. Wintec has helped me focus on my future and push myself," he says.

"Last year I didn't know what to do about school, but I'm glad I stayed on. The course at Wintec opened my eyes to a career in building. I like working with wood and enjoy getting into Maori design and carving."

"In the future I want to be a qualified builder. It's a skill I can take anywhere, even to the moon!"

Laulaufungavaka, a 16 year old Tongan student, also got renewed interest in learning by taking the construction course and enjoys the carpentry component.

"I want to be a builder and I've made a tool box for my equipment. It's a start," he says. "It's been great. I now stay at school a lot more often."

If they get sufficient credits, Codie and Laulaufungavaka will not only get NCEA Level 2 qualifications but will also be awarded a Vocational Pathway in Construction & Infrastructure.

Fairfield School Principal, Richard Crawford, says trades academies, which champion tertiary learning among secondary school students to encourage them to get higher qualifications, are "changing the role of education in New Zealand."

Arthur Graves, Group Manager of Youth Guarantee which oversees vocational pathways, says: "New Zealand has to improve the rate of NCEA Level 2 achievement, the minimum qualification a young person needs to get to be ready for a better future. To get employment you need to get a solid education, achieving at least a minimum qualification, or more.

According to Arthur, "New Zealand has poor retention rates of 15-19 year olds remaining in education to get qualifications and skills that will benefit them and not enough young people progressing to Level 4 or above, on the New Zealand qualifications framework."

"Learning in a Trades Academy gives students real life skills and qualifications and using the Vocational Pathways young people can choose their study options and see how it relates to future job or career options. Students can get relevant qualifications and a vocational pathway which will set them up for their next steps, whether it's into tertiary study, industry training or employment."

More than 4,200 senior secondary schools students, from 264 schools are currently enrolled at a Trades Academy this year, in 22 Secondary-Tertiary Programmes throughout New Zealand. For initial outcomes from these programmes, see the 'Youth Guarantee Monitoring Report.