A cutting-edge trades teaching and training facility which has officially opened at Highbrook is set to unlock educational opportunities across Auckland and fuel growth in the trades industry.
The opening was marked with a symbolic wire-cutting ceremony — a nod to the electrical trade — led by 24-year-old student Georgia Rensen who recently qualified as an electrician. Georgia’s role in the ceremony highlighted the growing presence and importance of women in trades.
The event was also attended by the Hon. Erica Stanford, Minister of Education and Minister of Immigration, who officially opened the new 3,300-square-metre, two-storey campus – a major milestone for Skills Group, New Zealand’s largest private training establishment.
Previously a logistics warehouse, the building has undergone a $4.5 million transformation into a modern learning hub, now dedicated to training students in the electrical trades.
Skills Group Director Trades School, Di Lithgow, says the new campus reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering contemporary and effective training environments.
“This facility represents a significant boost in our capacity to support the growing demand for skilled tradespeople across Auckland,” she says.
“It’s designed to meet the needs of both students and the wider industry through innovative, hands-on learning.”
The Highbrook facility follows recent expansions by Skills Group in Christchurch and Dunedin, bringing world-class training environments to key regions across the country.
Designed using feedback from tutors and drawing on international best practice, the new campus features state-of-the-art workshop classrooms for pre-trade students.
These spaces combine theory and practice in one cohesive environment.
“Students don’t have to leave the classroom to apply what they’ve learned,” Di says.
“They can immediately work on training boards within the same space, creating a seamless learning experience.”
Workshops are equipped with custom-designed U-shaped benches that allow students to sit or stand while learning about appliances, soldering, and other practical components. This layout also enables tutors to maintain full visibility and engagement with the entire class from a central position.
“We are incredibly proud to offer this world-class facility in Auckland – one that supports not only our apprentices but also their employers and the broader industry,” Di says.
The new campus is located at 18 Business Parade North, Highbrook.
