Thanks to BCITO and the work and organisation of Philippa Myers and Amy from Placemakers, along with Kirsty Currie from the Otago Polytechnic Construction School, Naylor Love, Cooke Brothers and Raymond Clark from Workforce Central, four of our senior students had a wonderful day learning more about the life of a female ‘Tradie”, and life in the construction industry. They learnt about the breadth of opportunities available in this sector - particularly in light of the ongoing “new Dunedin Hospital build”.

We were able to tour the Placemakers Frame and Truss factory, and were shown the process from architectural design to the shipping of completed frames and trusses. The students learnt about apprenticeships and training for carpentry, and heard from some amazing young women who are currently completing apprenticeships with Naylor Love and with Cooke Brothers.

We then had the opportunity to work alongside the apprentices and develop practical skills whilst creating super cool fold-out chairs. Our girls were lucky enough to again team up with Greer and Ngaru from Naylor Love, who have helped Queen’s students before.

This was another amazing opportunity for young women who are interested in careers within the trades and the construction industry. 

The Te Whare Rika Raupa students will build on this experience by building more of the chairs, and you may even be able to buy some as Christmas presents by the end of the year. Watch this space!