Education Minister, Anne Tolley, announced last week the five successful applicants selected to open trades academies in 2011, two of which will be based at Waikato and Wellington institutes of technology. Trades academies are part of the government’s Youth Guarantee programme.

“They’ll provide more career choices for 16 and 17 year olds, and give them greater opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and talents through trades and technology programmes” said Mrs Tolley.

The five academies selected from 113 expressions of interest from providers across New Zealand are: Northland College, Waikato Institute of Technology and Cambridge High School, Wellington Institute of Technology, Taratahi Agricultural Centre and Catlins Area School.

“Trades academies, based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations and employers, will give students a head-start in an industry-related career, earning both NCEA credits and a tertiary qualification,” said Mrs Tolley.

The Minister also announced that six additional proposals put to the Ministry by education providers will also be developed with a view to establishing trades academies. They include proposals from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Eastern Institute of Technology. The Ministry of Education will now work with all eleven applicants on their business plans.

“This government is committed to bringing out the best in our young people. Trades academies will enable more students to gain qualifications which will set them on a strong career path and help them achieve in their chosen field,” concluded Mrs Tolley.