Work ready pathways

Trades academies

Ōpōtiki College has become an Eastern Bay hub for Trades Academies. The College operates three Trades Academies: Primary Industries, Building & Construction and Engineering.

These Trades Academies are designed to prepare our tauira for the opportunities that the mussel farm, harbour development and horticulture expansion will provide.  They also contribute credits towards NCEA Level 2 and 3 and Vocational Pathway endorsements. Vocational pathways are an important part of the College’s curriculum.  They provide the foundation for success in further education and the world of work.

All courses offer further study pathways via Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Eastern Institute of Technology, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and other Primary Industry Training Providers.

Other Trades Academy courses operate in Whakatane each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Some students are completing two days per week Level 3 programmes in Carpentry, Automotive and Primary Industries. Other students are attending the Level 2 Hair & Beauty course which operates each Friday. Free transport is provided for these students.

Gateway

Gateway is offered to tauira in Year 12 and 13.  This includes structured, hands-on, workplace learning with opportunities to gain credits both in the workplace and at school.

Work Ready Pathways

Work Ready Pathways is a multi-levelled course which is offered to students in Year 11, 12 and 13.  It introduces students to the employability skills that the business and industry sectors have identified that tauira need to succeed in the workplace.