Source: NorthTec
NorthTec’s learners in the Certificate in Painting and Decorating Level 4 have received the chance for some hands-on experience while giving back to the community.
Over the last few weeks, NorthTec’s students and tutors have been at HOLYground Parua Bay Christian Camp, repainting the two dormitories where children stay while attending the camp.
NorthTec, Northlands oldest tertiary education provider, is supplying the materials, and HOLYground is providing the location, giving the students the chance to practice all their newly acquired skills.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain some real-life work experience whilst at the same time giving something back to the community,” says Sam Kelly, NorthTec’s Pathway Manager of Construction. “These types of projects allow our students to develop and master their skills within the trade and importantly become an attractive proposition for local companies looking to take on local talent.”
Both parties plan to continue the relationship, with next year’s Level 4 Painting students continuing the spruce up, painting the outside of the dormitories. After that, other parts of the camp will be given a fresh coat of paint as each new uptake of learners put their skills to the test.
“The students get to do the practical component, which backs up the theory and makes it more understandable,” says Jarrod McKelvie, Painting Tutor for NorthTec. “There’s tricks of the trade that you can only learn on the job.”
The community project has been a fantastic way for the painting students to solidify skills in the real world. Laying plastic on floors, masking around lights, wood detail, and edgings, and cutting in are all important skills practiced on the project.
HOLYground was recently damaged by a flood, needing the replacement of the carpets in both dormitories. Thankfully, no other damage was done and a fresh coat of paint, combined with the new carpet, should have the bunk rooms looking a treat.
“As Volunteer Camp Manager, on behalf of our committee, we are very grateful and blessed for the mahi that the students, led by tutors Jarrod and James, have done to spruce up our camp dormitories. It was great to see the enthusiasm and energy of the students taking pride in their work,” says Joseph Aoina.
“I witnessed conversations where the students discussed amongst themselves on how best to prepare areas for painting over plaster, concrete, and timber,’ says Joseph. “Some were even planning for the possibility of painting other areas of the camp. The finished work of the painted dormitories looks absolutely fantastic! Thank you NorthTec.”
HOLYground is owned and operated by Northland Evangelical Movement, a charitable society. The section of land at Wharf Road was purchased in 1960 by 10 founding families who each donated towards the deposit, the remainder was donated by the landowner. The camp building was primarily built by a group of volunteers and opened in1963 with the first Christian kids camp held in Easter 1964.
