CPIT skill-based training essential to revitalised Christchurch

Now, more than ever, CPIT will continue to work closely with business, industry and educational partners to develop essential skills-based training to ensure the successful rebuild and recovery of Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

“It is estimated that Canterbury will need thousands more skilled workers to assist with the rebuild, and CPIT will play a vital role in delivering specialised and relevant training to meet this demand,”said CPIT’s Chief Executive, Kay Giles.

As an immediate response, CPIT supported the Canterbury Tertiary College (CTC) initiative to offer secondary students affected by the earthquake the chance to complete their NCEA L2 Maths, English and Physics and study a trade or skill at the same time.  By offering full time and part time study options, there is now greater opportunity for secondary school students to study at CTC with state-of-the-art facilities and CPIT tutors, experienced in industry best practice at CPIT’s Sullivan Avenue campus. It’s free and it means students finish high school with an industry-based qualification that can lead to an apprenticeship or further study.

The continuation of CPIT’s Youth Guarantee programmes, provides another opportunity for young people to enter appropriate skill-based training options.  Students experience a ‘taste ‘ of  four trades in either metal or construction areas in the first 20 week module of their programme and then chose which trade they wish to follow through in a pre-trade programme that prepares them for an apprenticeship. This approach to training is producing some highly sought-after graduates.

During recent visits to CPIT, both the Prime Minister John Key and Minister of Tertiary Education Steven Joyce acknowledged that CPIT would be central to trades training during the recovery phase and critical in the repair and rebuilding of the city’s infrastructure and buildings.

Kay Giles notes the importance of working closely with industry and government to develop strategies to ensure a skilled workforce.

“As we continue, our immediate priority is to work in partnership with industry and our communities to identify areas that will require targeted skill-based training, to develop and deliver short and long term training requirements in the areas of trades, business, community and health."

For more than 100 years, CPIT has led Canterbury’s skill-based training and supported industry growth by creating relevant programmes and preparing students for successful careers in engineering, architecture, design, commerce, ICT, health care and community services.  CPIT is now ready and poised to contribute to a revitalised and sustainable future for the region.