Whangārei Boys’ High School delivers Trades and Vocational Academies across three key areas: Pre-Trade Engineering, Primary Industries, and Sales, Customer Service and Tourism. These programmes are designed to provide practical learning, industry experience, and clear pathways into apprenticeships, employment, or further training.
Our Trades Academies offer hands-on learning, workplace placements, and industry-recognised qualifications that prepare students for real-world careers in engineering, primary industries, sales, and tourism, with a strong focus on employment readiness and successful transitions beyond school.
Pre-Trade Engineering Academy
The Pre-Trade Engineering Academy is a full-year Year 12, NCEA Level 2 programme designed to prepare students for apprenticeships in mechanical engineering and related trades.
Students develop essential practical skills including welding, brazing, oxy-acetylene cutting, and machine tool operation through applied design and build projects. These projects build confidence, technical competence, and a portfolio of work that supports employment opportunities.
All unit standards contribute directly towards recognised trade qualifications. The programme aligns closely with the Technology Faculty’s focus on real-world learning, with workplace placements and industry engagement supporting a smooth transition into paid apprenticeships upon completion.
Primary Industries and Sales & Tourism Academies
The Primary Industries and Sales, Customer Service and Tourism Academies are available to students in Years 11 and 12 and offer pathways into some of New Zealand’s fastest-growing sectors.
Students working within the Primary Industries Academy explore agriculture and horticulture while completing selected standards towards NCEA Level 2 and the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2). Learning is supported through industry placements, field trips, and practical experiences that build both skills and confidence.
The Sales, Customer Service and Tourism Academy focuses on communication, customer relations, and hospitality skills. Students gain practical experience through placements and industry engagement, preparing them for immediate employment or further training within the tourism and service sectors.
Across both academies, strong employer partnerships ensure learning is relevant, current, and connected to real employment opportunities, with many students progressing directly into jobs, apprenticeships, or further vocational study.