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The Ōpuke Innovation Hub Trades Academy at Mount Hutt College has kicked off the year with enthusiasm and purpose, and our students are already making great strides. A key focus for the start of the year was ensuring students have a solid foundation in essential safety skills. 

All students completed comprehensive Health and Safety and First Aid courses, setting them up with the critical knowledge they will need throughout their time at the academy and beyond. These courses are a vital part of the program, as they provide students with the tools to work safely in real-world trades environments. The skills learned will be immediately applicable within the Ōpuke Innovation Hub Trades Academy, ensuring a strong emphasis on safety while developing hands-on skills.

In addition to these foundational courses, the students have made impressive progress on their first practical unit of the year. They are currently working on their third Unit Standard, which involves the design and construction of a non-consent building in the form of a Mai Mai. This project is an excellent hands-on opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to a real-world construction task.

Throughout this project, students are responsible for:

• Calculating the quantities of materials required and completing material orders.

• Marking out, cutting, and fitting all framing.

• Fixing external wall and roof cladding.

• Fitting exterior joinery.

• Finishing the project to a high standard.

• Ensuring all work is completed safely.

• Keeping the site, tools, and equipment clean and tidy.

This project provides an invaluable learning experience, allowing students to put their skills into practice in a controlled yet challenging environment. With their focus and dedication, we are hopeful that the students will have the project completed before the first weekend of May.

The Ōpuke Innovation Hub Trades Academy continues to offer Mount Hutt College students an exciting and practical pathway into the trades industry. With every step, they are building the skills, knowledge, and professionalism that will set them up for success in their future careers. We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive and grow throughout the year.