Chrissi Bollard introduced us to the Trade Academy which the Penrose Rotary Club had helped establish at One Tree Hill College, following on from the very successful Reading Enrichment Programme also initiated by Penrose. Chrissi acknowledged the important role played by Anne Dunphy and members of the Penrose Club in the evolution of the programme.  The Trade Academy caters for 26 selected students in Year 13 who are committed to making a trade their chosen career path. As part of the Academy, a Work Placement programme operates giving the students the opportunity each Wednesday for 10 weeks from now to mid August to complete on-site experience. Working as a team, the students this year are renovating a Kainga Ora house being transported on to the College campus. With the supervision of an on-site builder the trades represented will complete the renovation by the end of the year. The apprenticeship and job opportunities arising will give the students a head start in their careers. The programme has had an excellent success rate to date. Chrissi spoke of her background, including career counselling. Her volunteer role in the College programme focussed mainly on attracting sponsors and mentors. She paid tribute to the strong support provided by Anne and the Penrose Club. Stay tuned for the possibility of Newmarket also becoming involved in this very worthwhile programme. |
