Sport & Exercise

Tia is a keen sportswoman and representative hockey player, so choosing to enrol in the Trades Sport & Exercise programme was a logical choice for her. Her commitment is obvious - she leaves Blenheim at 7am every Friday morning to take part in the Nelson-based programme, and usually doesn’t get back home until after 4.30pm.

“I like meeting new people, getting exercise for my chosen sport and learning new training techniques. I like learning the theory of sport and exercise and then applying it in a practical way at the gym. I’m not great at sitting in a classroom so this way of learning has really opened my mind. The course has also really helped me with the start of my hockey training this season.”

Tia says she would 100% recommend the programme to others with an interest in sports. She enjoys working alongside other Trades students as well as the fulltime NMIT students in the Diploma course. “It really helps having the older students come in and tutor us.”

Tia is managing her busy workload of school, Trades and hockey practice. “I use my study periods at school to catch up on any classes I’ve missed – if you want to play sport at a higher level you have to learn how to balance all your commitments.” Tia is looking at enrolling at the Institute of Sport in Christchurch in the future and possibly pursue a career as a Personal Trainer.

Asher didn’t know much about the Trades Academy when he was looking at his options for Year 12 subjects, but he was in the Sports Performance class at school and his teacher recommended it to him. Now, he’s really glad he decided to enrol. “I really like the physical side of the programme. In Trades we’re learning all about fitness, how the body works and how to avoid injury. I play touch and rugby so this is really helpful to my own sports playing.”

For Asher the best part of Trades is getting out and doing the things that he’s interested in. The combination of class time and practical gym activities really appeals. “We do full-on sports activities and then head back into the classroom. There’s lots of variety and we do different things all the time.” The Trades programme has helped him to develop his fitness and focus on different skills; as well as teaching him about correct training techniques. “The tutors have a really good sense of humour. They focus on us and help us develop our own personal goals”.

Asher would like to be involved in professional sports in the future and would recommend the Trades programme to other students who love sport and being active.