Trades academies focus on delivering trades and technology programmes to secondary students based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations and employers. Students in years 11 to 13, who are interested in a career in trades or technology are able to combine study at a trades academy with studies towards their National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and a nationally transferable tertiary qualification Level 1, 2 or 3.

The purpose of a trades academy is to:

• motivate more students to stay engaged in learning and training by providing them with a greater number of options for study
• provide students with clear pathways post-school by giving them a head start on training for vocational qualifications and smooth access to employment
• improve the responsiveness of schools to business and economic needs.

Website: Ministry of Education