Infometrics data shows construction was the Bay of Plenty region\u2019s second biggest employer, with about 18,000 filled jobs in the year to March 2024. Only the healthcare industry employed more people.<\/p>\n
A high school in Whakat\u0101ne already puts students on the tools. <\/p>\n
Trident High School\u2019s Allied Trades Training (ATT) course started in 2024 and had students renovate a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house.<\/p>\n
They could learn skills in carpentry, concreting, interior plastering, painting and decorating, gib fixing, roofing and plumbing.<\/p>\n
Head of careers Julie Ball said she strongly believed exposing students to a construction class would help them visualise a career path.<\/p>\n
\u201cA different curriculum emphasises the importance of learning skills that can be put into use and has a very strong effect on students.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said this could be in the building industry or associated trades that contribute to the sector.<\/p>\n
Trident High School principal Mikaere October said the proposed building and construction subject would open students up to job opportunities.<\/p>\n
Trident High School Allied Trades Training students Calli-Hoani Te Pou (left), Roy Biddle, Kingstyn Te Naiti, Tyrone Ford-Biggs, Stevie Reid McAllum, Ryan Kay and Hamish Galloway (tutor and registered builder). Photo \/ Julie Ball<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great in theory, if they are developed and available. Staying at school allows students to get a qualification and keep their options open.\u201d<\/p>\n
October said he was concerned about the proposed timeline.<\/p>\n
Subjects intended to be led by industry, such as building and construction, will be developed in 2026<\/a> when new industry skills boards are established.<\/p>\n \u201cTo get genuine buy-in and synergy between industry and schools is a big project, and it will take time and needs to be done properly from the beginning,\u201d October said. <\/p>\n Qualified builder Hamish Galloway is the tutor for Trident\u2019s renovation project.<\/p>\n He said introducing building and construction as a subject was a \u201cgreat idea\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cTotally behind that one \u2013 school\u2019s not for everyone.\u201d <\/p>\n Galloway said when students leave school they will know how to use all the tools and be prepared for what\u2019s out there.<\/p>\n P\u0101p\u0101moa College principal Iva Ropati said he was \u201cvery happy\u201d with the introduction of new subjects.<\/p>\n \u201cOur students would be excited to have more practical hands-on learning experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cIt provides an employment pipeline for the industry and increases engagement from students who find written content classes difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n \u014ct\u016bmoetai College principal Russell Gordon also said it was an opportunity to explore \u201cpractical, hands-on learning\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt also aligns well with the skills New Zealand needs for the future.\u201d<\/p>\nP\u0101p\u0101moa College principal Iva Ropati says the changes will increase engagement from some students. Photo \/ Alex Cairns<\/p>\n