Ready for a real job - not ready to leave school?
The Top of the South Trades Academy is opening doors for students like you, who want to stay at school but are ready to start training for a real job.
If you’re accepted into the Trades Academy, you’ll be able to stay at school completing NCEA, while at the same time working towards a qualification in a trade of your choice.
Download our 2022 Programme Guide here
Practical and hands-on
Trades Academy training is practical and hands-on and there are lots of options to choose from. You can learn anything from mechanical engineering and aquaculture, to hairdressing and hospitality. You’ll learn heaps of useful skills to help you go on to further study or get a job right out of school. The best part is, it’s free!
Training is either one day a week at one of the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology’s (NMIT) campuses in Richmond, Nelson and Blenheim; in residential blocks at Whenua Iti Outdoors; or at other hubs in Nelson & Marlborough.
"If you think you know what Trades is......think again"
What is Trades Academy?
Our Students say...
"...I enjoy it, like, heaps. I usually count down the school days for this (Trades Academy day)..."
"...I would definitely recommend trades for other students. Its out of the classroom..."
"... because it gives you insight into different career paths..."
"Its such a cool place to work, I'm glad I got this placement..."
Read the personal accounts of our graduates and current students.
We have a great range of practical and hands-on courses.