QRC has launched a Trades Academy for high schools in Kaitaia and Paihia to give students practical skills in hospitality service and help them understand the opportunities available for tertiary education and employment.
Students from different schools come together once a week at the Trades Academy to receive hands-on training as well as practical experience and exposure to the industry through familiarisation (famil) trips to businesses, restaurant observations and customer engagement. The learning style and pastoral care encourages student interaction and is reinforced by social activities like shared lunches.
All students are provided with, and are required to wear, the QRC Trades Academy uniform. This is part of QRC’s Professional Excellence system which has been developed to encourage students to achieve the level of professionalism expected by the industry. The system has a strong focus on performance and excellence around some key criteria; attendance, punctuality, courtesy, grooming/personal appearance, honesty and respect.
Feedback to date has been extremely positive with several students confirming their intention to pathway on to either the QRC Level 4 Tourism Operations programme or the QRC Level 6 Diploma in Hospitality Management.
Participating schools
Kaitaia (Wednesdays) – Abundant Life School, Kaitaia College, Broadwood Area School
Paihia (Fridays) – Whangaroa College, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Kaikohe, Bay of Islands College, Okaihau College
Feedback
“I have seen the results of QRC’s efforts with the students that they have worked with from my school. These have been clearly demonstrated by the student’s increased confidence, pride in their appearance and achievements and their independence and responsibility. These intrinsic skills will be with them for life and will be really valued by employers (and parents).”
Darryl Work, Careers / Transitions Education, Bay of Islands College
“We have found the course to be extremely beneficial for our students. Your course is well run and very much enjoyed by the students and our students appreciate that you care about them. We have found the transport to be extremely well organised and a god send for our school and our students.”
Robert (Blue) Newport, Careers Advisor, Okaihau College
