Increasing student engagement for programmes with traditionally low involvement rates for Maori and Pasifika

Abstract

One of the main Carpentry programs we run at Unitec is the Certificate in Applied Technology – Carpentry. This is a full time Pre-trade program, 32 weeks long, for those wishing to enter the construction industry and become qualified carpenters/builders. During the 32 weeks the students build a 3 bedroom dwelling from start to finish. The theory and practical are interlinked and follow the sequence of the house build to reinforce the theory and use their new learnt knowledge practically.

We take in approx. 200 students during a year into this program, 80% of which are under 20 years of age and in the past two years 50% of those are of Maori and Pacifica heritage.