Building a future
Mahurangi College is providing a solid foundation for students wishing to enter the building industry, to develop their skills and be ready to walk straight into a job by the time they leave.
The innovative Mahurangi College Building Academy offers outstanding trade pathways for their Level 2 and 3 senior students. Housed on site, in a purpose-built workshop, their programs have been developed to incorporate five theory units at each level. “We are now working in collaboration with BCITO (Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation) which is now part of Te Pukenga,” says Grant Robinson, Building Academy Director.
Topics include health and safety, communication, materials, hand tools, calculations and drawings. “Students undertake a compulsory health and safety course at the beginning of the year so they learn the importance of safety from the outset. Having embedded theory units adds considerable value to the programs and complements the physical projects that take place in the workshop.”
At Year 12, workshop projects include building saw stools, park-bench seats and picnic benches. This helps prepare students for the big project of building cabins. “They work in groups and before they pick up a tool, they are shown the correct procedures for both hand and power tools, including the correct use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).”
There is a continuation in Year 13, completing cabins started the previous year, giving attention to interior lining and finer finishing details. “They will also be completing our tiny house from last year’s cohort, which is imminent,” says Grant. As in previous years, this will be auctioned, with all funds raised going back to the college. Students also undertake an off-site course in Height Safety which also attracts credits.
“In collaboration with BCITO, at the end of the school year, we hold a prize-giving ceremony where certificates are awarded to students.” Parents are invited to attend and also see the projects that their children have been working on throughout the year.
The Building Academy works in partnership with Te Tai Tokerau. Their funding goes towards material costs, such as timber and fasteners, along with students gaining their driving licence. “This year, we have been very fortunate to have secured sponsorship from Matakana Bayleys and Warkworth ITM. This sponsorship has provided safety boots and dust jackets for each student. We look forward to growing this partnership in the future.
“We are extremely proud that Mahurangi College can provide this unique opportunity for our students,” says Gateway teacher and Building Academy Coordinator, Lori Yau. The Mahurangi College Building Academy has become a sought-after program for those looking to enter a trade. “Students completing the course are work-ready, and are snapped up by local employers to begin their apprenticeships.”
Principal Tony Giles adds, “While these programmes are designed to teach skills and knowledge, they also ensure students are thriving and growing to become well-rounded, talented and creative young adults who excel.”