03/02/2005

Oto rallies to offer trades training

By KYLEE BRUCE

The foundations are in place for Otorohanga's new Trades Training Centre and it is now up to the community to build on them.
The centre is a partnership between the Otorohanga community and Wintec, and is designed to allow local students to study in Otorohanga while gaining contacts and hands-on experience with local businesses.
At its launch in December, Wintec Advisory Group chairman Andrew Giltrap revealed the project would need support and backing from local businesses to raise the $25,000 needed for set-up equipment.
One month on, Mr Giltrap said the enthusiasm shown for the project has been outstanding.
"We've had a number of local employers pledge money to the cause," said Mr Giltrap.
He said about $18,000 has been raised locally so far.
Equipment and support has also been pledged by local tradespeople.
The Mayors Taskforce for jobs, which aims to ensure anyone under the age of 25 who wants to work can, has also pledged $49,800 for the cause.
Mr Giltrap said support has only come about because of local enthusiasm for the venture.
Otorohanga District Council has also shown its support for the centre, agreeing to underwrite the facility's set-up costs and the first year's rental of the old TOPs building in Turongo St, where theory classes and basic workshop skills will be taught.
Meanwhile, work has already begun on adapting the premises to accomodate the Trades Training Centre and its students. 
Mr Giltrap said there is still more work to be done on the structure, with the centre
hoping to open in mid March.
He said expressions of interest have been received from about 20 potential students so far, with about 16 students needed each year to make the course viable.
The centre will begin by offering year-long courses, earning students a National Certificate in Engineering.
The course will contain appropriate electives enabling them to continue in either engineering or mechanical trades.
However, if the first course proves a success then more variety will be introduced, including the possibility of electrical and timber courses.
Discussions are also underway on the possibility of offering a hospitality course, commencing in July.
However, Mr Giltrap said the true test for the centre would be the employment of
students-once they graduate.
"It will be truly successful if they all have jobs at the end of it," he said.