Trades

Trades Pathways

At our school, passionate industry-experienced teachers – all former trades professionals with top qualifications – ignite students’ dedication to skilled careers. From Year 11’s Pathways to Success, where committed students gain First Aid, Health & Safety certificates, professional CVs and real work experience, to the structured Trades & Workforce programme led by the inspirational Mrs B. Jenkins, every pathway places trades at the heart of our school’s mission. Students emerge job-ready with portfolios, references and direct apprenticeship offers, proving that university isn’t the only route to success.

Hospitality & Commercial Cookery

Under the energetic guidance of Mr T. Hayman, a highly trained chef from industry, our commercial kitchen buzzes with dedicated Year 11-13 students mastering knife skills, sauces and café-style service. The passion is contagious and weekend restaurant jobs and paid kitchen-hand roles flow naturally, while strong chef networks and ServiceIQ links secure full apprenticeships. For these committed young cooks, trades aren’t just subjects; they’re lifelong careers built on real flavour, real pressure and real pride.

Electronics, DVC & Whakairo

Mr J. Anderson (ex-military artillerist), Mr D. De Weerd (professional designer) and our Whakairo teacher Mrs J Simmonds all deeply qualified from years in the field who channel their expertise into students who live for creating. Whether soldering circuits for the NZ Defence Force, rendering architectural CAD models or carving pounamu under a Toi expert, these dedicated young tradies build outstanding portfolios. Northland employers and Iwi partnerships ensure seamless transitions into paid apprenticeships, proving our school’s unwavering belief: hands-on trade skills shape futures with honour, precision and passion.

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