My Career Pathway (Trades)

Summary

My Career Pathway is a free**, six-month course designed for 16 to 19-year-olds looking to gain basic knowledge, skills, and experience within the areas of either trades or horticulture. If you successfully complete the course, you will walk away with a Level 2 qualification, the New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills as well as additional credits. You can then choose whether you continue on with further study, or try to gain an apprenticeship within the workforce.

For the first two weeks, you take part in introductory workshops. At the end of this time, you then decide which pathway you want to pursue. There is no need to decide which pathway to take at the start, which takes the pressure off. These workshops, called ‘taster’ sessions, give you the chance to explore which area you like the most before deciding.

The pathways are:

1. Trades (Manufacturing and Technology) – designed for those who like the idea of fixing cars, making things work with electrical wiring, or making machinery operate.
2. Trades (Construction and Infrastructure) – for those interested in building, plumbing, or gasfitting and electrical engineering.
3. Horticulture - for those interested in working with plants, as arborists (caring for and cutting trees), or as landscapers.

No matter which path you pursue, you can guarantee that you are going to experience real-world environments. Our two trades pathways are offered at our purpose-built, state-of-the-art trades-training facility at our Rotokauri Campus. Our horticulture pathway runs at the famous Hamilton Gardens Campus, which enables students to learn in one of the most expansive and celebrated garden environments in the country.

My Career Pathway focuses on getting out there and learning things by doing them. You walk away with more confidence and some great skills and knowledge to take into your next level of study, or into the workforce.

In addition to the formal qualifications and skills gained, another benefit of the course is our high level of interactive support. Our tutors and support staff are focused on your success, and the team will guide you through the journey to ensure you feel happy and confident during your study.

What you will achieve 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will gain the following in just six months:

• New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 2), AND,
• 60 credits in a vocational pathway, AND,
• a further 20 credits towards the NCEA Level 2.

You will also build on your knowledge of English and maths, as well as learning core trades skills. 

Whānau room

An additional benefit of the My Career Pathway course is a support service we call the Whānau Room. This service focuses on your well-being, providing a full range of support in a safe and supportive environment. Our Kaiāwhina (whānau coaches) work with you each week, in a one to one session to help support you in areas that you want to focus on beyond just what you are learning.

Our aim is to help you feel equipped to manage your daily life. This isn't just as a student of Wintec, but also as an active member of the community.