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Study at Wintec

Waikato Trades Academy

About

The Waikato Trades Academy (WTA) is funded by the New Zealand Government to provide secondary students with the opportunity to study at both school and Wintec. WTA gives students a head start; gaining specific and practical experience and skills in an industry-based setting, and the opportunity to move directly into a job, apprenticeship, or further study, on completion of secondary school.

As a WTA student, you can enrol in one of the programmes that WTA provides. This is an addition to your current school subject choice. You will be travelling to the Wintec campuses for practical, hands-on learning, typically one day a week.

The vocational pathways provide ways to achieve NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3, and develop pathways that progress to further study, training, and employment. The vocational pathways provide a framework to show how learning and achievement are valued in the workplace by aligning the learning to the skills needed for industries.

For regional areas, transport will be coordinated by WTA and your school, this is funded by the Ministry of Education. WTA programmes are fee-free.

WTA Year 1 (Level 2) programmes:

WTA Year 2 (Level 3) programmes:

How WTA works

Year 11 or 12

You can start studying at the WTA. You will choose one of the available vocational pathways from our vocational pathways wheel.

In year one, we will provide you with a broad introduction to your chosen vocational pathway. You will attend Wintec between 30-33 days during the year (depending on your programme choice). While studying at the WTA you can achieve credits towards NCEA Level 2.

Year 12 or 13

You will continue your secondary school studies and your second year of WTA.

You will specialise in one career pathway. You will attend Wintec between 30 and 33 days during the year. You will study at Level 2 or 3 and gain credits towards your chosen career pathway. This year will include some self-directed learning. Some programmes may include industry work experience.

Age restrictions for WTA

You must be aged 15 or over at the start of the calendar year, be enrolled in a secondary school and be in Year 11, 12 or 13. Adult students and school leavers are not eligible for the WTA courses. If you are turning 15 between January and March, please contact the WTA team to discuss possible options.

Click here for the Ministry of Education Students on Work Experience Health & Safety Guide for Schools and Employers.

Programmes are subject to minimum numbers. Some programmes are restricted to maximum numbers of students' due to teaching space restrictions.

Graduating from WTA

After completing the two year WTA programme you may:

Achieve NCEA Level 2 or 3 at school, with a Vocational Pathway Award.
Follow previous WTA students into higher level study at Wintec, or have the skills to move into an apprenticeship or employment.

Take a virtual tour of our campuses

Hamilton City Campus

Rotokauri Campus

Thames Campus

Ōtorohanga Campus

Hamilton Gardens Campus

WTA programme guide

WTA programme flyers

WTA Construction and Infrastructure Level 2

WTA Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Level 2

WTA Manufacturing and Technology Level 2

WTA Social and Community Services Level 2

WTA Education Achievement in Automotive Engineering Level 3

WTA Educational Achievement in Exercise Science Level 3

WTA Educational Achievement in Mechanical Engineering General Level 3

WTA Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Level 3