UCOL BLOG

Secondary students now have a great opportunity to earn a trades or technology qualification while they are still at school – at no cost.

UCOL is heading one of the Government’s new trade’s academies – called U-Skills Central School Academy. In partnerships with local schools, places are available to Whanganui students in years 12-13 who are studying for NCEA level 2 and also want to gain a tertiary pre trade qualification.

Applications for study in 2012 are open now.

Trades academies allow students to be enrolled at both their secondary school and a tertiary training provider.  As an academy Hub school, Wanganui City College is hosting two U-Skills programmes, Engineering and Joinery, both open to students from across the region.  U-Skills are also offering programmes at the UCOL campus in Palmerston North, Fashion and Beauty, Electrotechnology( Electrical and Electronics) and Joinery.

The programmes are open to all students at any school in the region.

 U-Skills training will be provided one day a week at UCOL or in blocks across the week at the Hub school, Wanganui City College, with the other days spent at students’ usual schools studying towards NCEA. The study is free and transport within Whanganui and to UCOL in Palmerston North is also free.

The Manager of U-Skills Jacqui Phillips says it’s a brilliant new initiative that brings gains for the Whanganui region. “It’s an opportunity for young people to get tertiary level training to start them on their chosen career path.  U-Skills students will also have contact with local employers, alongside careers and personal development support.

“It’s a great way to encourage young people into trades where there are skill shortages in many areas – with more shortages predicted in the future.

Jacqui says studying under U-Skills offers the best of both worlds to students taking part. “They can continue to enjoy the support of their school environment and keep their friends, cultural and sporting activities, while experiencing study at a tertiary level and starting to build a career. They can look forward to excellent, sustainable pay rates in trades areas.”

Jacqui says students have great options at the end of their U-Skills study year:  we will assist students to plan their future pathways going forward. This may be staying at school, going onto further tertiary study, moving into employment or an apprenticeship. These are excellent ways forward for young people and also bring gains for employers and the local economy.”

For an enrolment pack or more information phone 0800 46 8265.

Two Whanganui UCOL culinary arts graduates Matthew Smith and Jessica Davidson are going to gain valuable work experience in a luxury 5-star Hotel in Oman over the summer. 

The new intern initiative has been established by Whanganui  UCOL Programme Leader Tim Snape and the Chedi Hotel  and is an opportunity for UCOL Level 4 Culinary Arts graduates to travel to Oman and train in the hospitality industry during Oman’s peak tourist season of December to March.  Mr Snape said “this exciting opportunity is a reward for selected students and recognizes the hard work they have done over their two years of study. We hope that Matthew and Jessica are the first of many that will have the privilege to experience such a high level of food production and service, as well as be ambassadors for UCOL and New Zealand.  It will be career defining for them.  Read More: “Graduates offered opportunities abroad”…

The artistic excellence of three Whanganui UCOL glass students has been recognised by the arts sector.

Linda Satchwell is this year’s recipient of the Doyle Glass Acquisition Prize. Linda is a second year student from the Whanganui UCOL Diploma in Glass Design and Production programme.

She receives $1,000 from Doyle and Associates the Accountants in Whanganui, who acquire the winning piece titled The Flow into the Doyle Corporate Collection.

Linda used a closed casting technique, using gaffer casting glass, to create the dramatic work.

Read More: “Wanganui Glass School students shine”…

Jacqui Phillips, the new manager of the UCOL-led U-Skills Central School Academy, will be a familiar face to many as she talks to schools and businesses in Whanganui.

Her background makes her a good fit to lead U-Skills and includes a period as Registrar of Electors for Rangitikei and Whanganui.

Jacqui took up the position of manager during October, in time to take part in the naming of the new academy. She says the title reflects the importance of partnerships with schools in the success of the academy.

It is part of Jacqui’s job to foster the partnerships with hub providers and develop new ones with other schools. “We have Awatapu College in Palmerston North, Makoura College in Masterton, Horowhenua College, City College and Intranz in Whanganui as hub providers, providing training for students on site.  Read More: “New manager for U-Skills trades academy”…

With creative themes as diverse as murder, industrial shelving and the Vatican City, this years’ Whanganui UCOL Fashion extravaganza is set to surprise and enthrall.

Titled Skirt Chaser, the catwalk show features work by all of the fashion students, including Year one and two and Certificate students, as well as showcasing designs by graduating third years.

Each final year student will present a collection of at least five outfits, from their final major project and one Graduate Diploma student will show a three piece collection.

Third year student Chris Bridgland created his own character, murderess Mrs Deadly, as the theme for his collection. Steeped in 1930s glamour, in black, red and white, Chris has created nine garments for his five different looks.

Twenty five year old Chris first tried studying pure graphic design but felt it wasn’t him. “Someone suggested fashion design suited my style of drawing and illustration,” he says. “I gave it a go and I’ve really enjoyed it, although I’m better at designing, than I am at actually making what I design.”

Chris would like to have his own fashion label one day but admits he still has a lot to learn, especially in the area of garment construction. “I just want to keep learning and build on my knowledge of how different garments are made; it really helps with the design process.”

Read More: “Murder on the catwalk”…