Trades training shared with Niue

Wednesday 1: Four teachers from Niue High School visited the trade training centre recently to check up on the transition programmes being run at the Arorangi facility.

Principal James Poihega says they are interested in carrying out vocational training programmes at their school, and are keen to learn how the TTC operates, along with the hospitality and tourism training centre at Turangi.

TTC manager Boyd Ellison says the transition programmes are being run for Tereora College students in their automotive and electrical schools.

Around a dozen students spend Fridays at each of the schools for the first two terms with credits obtained going towards NCEA II. The courses are being provided by two New Zealand institutions – the Open Polytechnic and Unitec.

Meanwhile 10 students – including five from the outer islands – have taken up the 20-week electrical service technician’s registration theory course.

The course is designed to allow students to exit at certain stages if they wish to only go to a particular level or if they think the course is not for them. At the same time the exit stages will ensure that students leave with something to show for their time, rather than leave with nothing.

This is the first level of three towards obtaining Cook Islands registration. A further level is required to get New Zealand registration.

Ellison says the students are in the classroom for four days and then are placed in companies around the island to carry out practical work. A further 37 people are taking up the level one course in the evenings, after finishing work at their respective jobs. - MM