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Infrastructure training park builds solid future for the next generation

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PUBLISHED: 31 AUG 2022
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Infrastructure training park builds solid future for the next generation

The New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and WITT-Te Pūkenga’s vision to create an infrastructure training park in Taranaki has come to life. 

In November last year NPDC agreed to provide up to $1 million in funding for WITT-Te Pūkenga to create the training facility, Te Kura Matahanganga, which officially opened in Bell Block on 31 August. 

The training park aims to help address the skills and capability gap within the civil construction sector by providing a simulated worksite for students to hone their civil infrastructure work skills. 

WITT-Te Pūkenga will deliver a range of programmes from Infrastructure Works through to Solar-Power Installation Micro-Credentials. The programmes focus on providing the skills needed for the future workforce in the civil construction sector through training and upskilling. 

Kyle Hall, Director of School, Engineering, Energy and Infrastructure (NZIHT) said having the park locally allows companies to have direct exposure to the students and work with them while they study, as well as providing modern training facilities to upskill their own workforces.  

“We have already had one intake of students complete the Infrastructure Works programme at the park who have all successfully graduated and gained employment in the industry,” he said.

Hall said he is looking forward to seeing the outputs and the benefits of the park not only for the Taranaki region but the whole county.

NPDC Group Manager Planning and Infrastructure Kevin Strongman said the training park would contribute to building a Sustainable Lifestyle Capital by giving young people in Taranaki the skills and experience they need to continue living, working and raising their own kids in the region.

“We need to establish appropriate training and apprenticeship opportunities for young people wanting to get into infrastructure and civil construction in Taranaki just as we do for the for trades like joinery and plumbing in the house building sector.   The Infrastructure Training Park lays the foundation for future generations,” said Mr Strongman.

 

Caption: First five students at the Infrastructure Training Park which opened this week, from left Liberty Conner, Robert Anglesey-Gray, Mahaki Nuku, Kaylib Preston and Talen Blake.  All have jobs at Whitaker Civil Engineering Ltd in New Plymouth.

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Page last updated: 08:32pm Thu 01 September 2022

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