Business South August 2021

4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Otago Polytechnic T Embracing change - page 6 “We see our role at Otago Polytechnic as two- fold in the coming years: as we contribute to vocational education in New Zealand, we also acknowledge we have a part to play in the economic recovery. “At a time when young people and mature learners alike, are looking for new career pathways with strong job opportunities, the Trades Training Centre will supply qualified tradespeople for industry that we know local employers, and the country as a whole, will need,” says Megan. And she says the demand for trade qualifi- cations is already growing. There are close to 900 students involved in trade or trade related training at Otago Polytchenic this year , with 500 directly train- ing in construction trades. This year the polytechnic has four streams and a wait-list of 30 pre-trade construction learners moving into apprenticeships, an increase from two streams two years ago. Megan notes that many trades apprentices being trained now will potentially be involved in the Dunedin Hospital rebuild during its peak construction period of 2024 to 2027, as well as in residential construction. A huge boost for trades training The new Trades Training Centre at Otago Polytechnic is on track to open in 2022. T from page 3 Image: Warren and Mahoney Architects LITTLE DIGGERS FOR LITTLE SPACES We specialise in operating diggers in little spaces and having a low impact on the surrounding land. Our small trucks and diggers allow us to get to places that most can't and have a low impact on the land. RESIDENTIAL • RURAL • COMMERCIAL M 0274 649 805 E bud@littletonne.co.nz W littletonne.co.nz PLACEMAKERS DUNEDIN & MOSGIEL PLACEMAKERSDUNEDIN & MOSGIEL 86 PORTSMOUTH DRIVE & 34 CARNCROSS ST (03) 466 4617 PROUDLY SUPPORTING OTAGO POLYTECHNIC P 03 477 2182 F 03 477 5556 E sales@metalon.co.nz W metalon.co.nz Medical & Trolleys Chairs & Seating Storage & Accessories Desks & Tables The trusted name in commercial furniture Metalon manufacture 95% of their products. Metalon can make to order, to any specifications, whether its size, colour, or fabrics, we’ll make it THE WAY YOU WANT IT. We can come out to your office or home to discuss and take measurements and find out your exact requirements. Our factory team is skilled in manufacturing non standard items. We have an outstanding reputation for quality and service. All our joints are welded for durability and stability with functional furniture that handles the knocks. We offer a 10 year guarantee on frames on all our furniture and equipment. Please feel free to visit our showroom and browse our wide range of products at 97 Harrow Street, Dunedin. PROUD SUPPLIERS TO THE OTAGO POLYTECH 24 Mailer Street, Dunedin 9011 50 Anderson Rd, Wanaka 9305 t: 03 453 0499 free phone 0800 453 049 e: design@activefurnishers.co.nz t: 03 443 2102 free phone 0800 367 372 e: wanaka@activefurnishers.co.nz www.activefurnishers.co.nz • • Interior design • Drapes • Blinds • Shutters • Upholstery Bedware • Rods • Tracks • Cushions •Awnings • Motorisation • Wallpaper Made in Dunedin