Automotive Pathway

It has been a busy second half of term with industry visits. The Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) organised their annual MITO Bus Tour. Our students were split into 2 groups. One tour visited, Tesla, SouthPac Trucks and Royans. The other group visited Giltrap Prestige, AMI Repair Hub and Truckstops. The tours were informative of how the industry is progressing and although our students were not so keen on the electric cars it is of huge importance for them to understand how the industry is developing. From the tour to Royans one of our students Mason became interested in the detailing and graphics that go on trucks and he has now landed his Term 2 work experience with Royans. Due to MIT being closed week 10 we also organised our own mini tour of Pukekohe businesses where we visited, Ebbett Pukekohe, Traillite and Franklin Engineering. Again, a wonderful opportunity to see the vast opportunities within the industry and all three industries have kindly agreed to take on some of our students for their work experience. The boys are working well in their new little workshop, and it was great to see them bring back to life many of the neglected barn vehicles and tools that we gathered. The moped is by far the most popular and the students have had fun taking it for a ride around the field.

Electrical Engineering

Students have participated in some exciting industry events. Firstly, the class visited Counties Energy who very kindly gathered some of their team from different divisions to share what they do. We had talks from engineers, linesmen and field operators who outlined their roles within the company and also their journey of how they reached their positions. This presentation ignited the curiosity of many of the students who expressed they would like to do their work experience at Counties Energy. We have 3 students doing their work experience at Counties in Term 2. A big thank you to Counties Energy for giving our students this insight into the power supply industry.

Trip to Steel Mill

The Engineering Electrical Students had the amazing opportunity to visit The Steel Mill in Glenbrook on the 4 April. Students were shown around the steel making plant where they painted and flattened the steel.

Tractor Training Agriculture Pathway

L2 Agriculture students had the opportunity to complete a tractor safety course. The course includes pre-start up checks, maintenance, basic operation of tractor and attached implements. Thanks to Duncan and the team at Power farming for loan of the tractor and implements.

Building Pathway

Students continue to make good progress on the building of their cabin and developing their skills in using hand and power tools. Thanks to Mitek for bringing us some of their awesome studloc screws and some yummy doughnuts too. Thanks also to Rob from Paslow for fixing our nail gun. Having the ability to be able to interpret plans for building is also an important skill to develop. It is great to see how the students are developing these skills in maths with enthusiasm.

General News

Thank you to the Four Winds Foundation who have kindly donated a total of $43,000 dollars to our Pathway Programmes to assist students gain certificates in courses like, Tractor Driving, Site Safe, Chainsaws, First Aid, Chemical Handling to name a few. This is amazing support for our students to help them transition with the skills of their chosen career pathway. This term the Electrical Engineering and Building students have been working with Will Flemming founder of DigiKor a podcasting company. Students have learned the skills of communication through interviewing other people and asking them about their careers and interests. Students are now working on editing their podcasts.

Work Experience

Term 2 sees the start of work experience for our students. Many students have managed to organise their placements however there are a few students who have not. We have been struggling to get placements in the electrical industries. We understand that it is quiet difficult for some businesses and therefore there is an unwillingness to take students on now. If you do know of anyone who could possibly offer an opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs Matthews. If students don’t manage to secure a placement, they will continue to come to school on the work experience day and hopefully an opportunity will come along.