Whangaparāoa College launched their Trades Academy earlier this year, giving Year 13 students the chance to get real, hands-on experience before they even leave school. It’s the kind of practical learning that makes all the difference once these students step into the workforce, and it’s a programme we’re proud to be part of.
Students involved in the Academy are developing essential skills across a range of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. But it’s their first project that really stands out.
The students are currently retrofitting an existing 1970s house, with the goal of reaching Passive House certification. The home has been relocated onto the school grounds for the project, and once the work is complete, it will be sold.
This is not a small undertaking. Many experienced builders would think twice before taking on a retrofit this complex. Seeing 19 students learning Passive House philosophy this early in their education is exciting, and it says a lot about the standard this programme is setting from day one.
Deputy Principal Justin Lintern says the project aligns with the concept of raising standards at the college. “We are supporting our learners and community to rise to a higher standard, just like the Passive House Certification is raising standards in building and construction.” Learning these niche, specialist skills now are helping to set the students apart as they head into the workforce next year.
Leading the Trades Academy is Nathan Mill from Quality Build, a Certified Passive House Tradesperson. Nathan is bringing his knowledge and passion for raising building standards straight to the classroom (and the job site), and it’s fantastic to see that expertise being passed on to the next generation of tradespeople.
The Trades Academy isn’t just teaching the basics. It’s giving students the extra education and specialist skills they need to be well equipped for their careers. We fully support what the school is doing here, and we’re incredibly proud to be involved by supplying the windows for the retrofit project.
Work on site is already underway, with the students having gutted the existing house. We’ll continue to share updates as the project progresses, so keep an eye out for more about the Whangaparāoa College Trades Academy.
