WBHS runs Trade Academies across three arenas: Pre-Trade Engineering, Primary Industries, and Sales & Customer Service and/or Tourism.

Pre-Trade Engineering

Year 12 Level 2 NCEA is a full year course concentrated on students gaining apprenticeships. Students have the opportunity to learn and apply practical design to set projects while developing confidence in the use of trade skills such as welding, brazing, oxy-acetylene cutting, and basic machine tool operation. This emphasis is consistent with the Technology Faculty’s approach to prepare students for today’s employment opportunities. Practical projects are undertaken for inclusion in student’s employment portfolios. All Unit Standards count towards careers in Mechanical Engineering and other trades.

Primary Industries

Year 11 and 12 students will gain a deeper understanding of technical aspects of the primary industries as preparation for employment and further study in that sector of the economy. The class studies a selection of standards from the list below. All students are invited to apply for a place in the Primary Industries Academy and those accepted undertake a relevant placement during the year. Achievement will count towards NCEA Level 2 plus the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2). Students have an opportunity to specialise in the areas in which they are interested.

Sales & Customer Service and/or Tourism sector studies are also available.

All WBHS academies expect students to participate in field trips and attend a work placement.