| 123 T T Rosa Watson New learning hub looks to the future Already underway is the introductory trades course for Year 11 students, which will be expanded next year to include a senior trades course. Mount Hutt College “We want to ensure we are encouraging our young people to see the vast opportunities, find their passions and discover what they could offer, now and in the future.” COMMUNITY An ambitious vision for a cutting-edge trades and agriculture programme at Mt Hutt College in Methven is starting to take shape. Construction has started on the Opuke Innovation Hub, which will offer a dynamic space for learning, initially focusing on trades and agriculture, and will benefit the whole community. “We have developed an inspiring, future-focused curriculum that equips students with the skills and attributes for success,” project coordinator Amy Honeywell says. The facility is future-focused with sustainability and tech innovations at the forefront, she says, “ensuring we are preparing our learners for a future in these rapidly advancing industries”. The project has full community backing – developed alongside the community and built by the community. The vision for the hub had its beginnings in 2021 with the undertaking of a major community consultation drive. It received more than 1000 respondents and established a clear direction forward. “We live in one of the largest food-producing regions in New Zealand – our community vision was to leverage this to its full extent and develop a national leading innovative and future-focused approach to trades and agriculture,” Amy says. “We want to ensure we are encouraging our young people to see the vast opportunities, find their passions and discover what they could offer, now and in the future.” The goal is to deliver an inspiring and fit-forpurpose curriculum that engages and motivates students, instilling skills and attributes required in the workforce.T The community and industry will play a crucial role in planning and implementation, work experience and partnerships. Already underway is the introductory trades course for Year 11 students, which will be expanded next year to include a senior trades course, allowing students to further develop their skills and knowledge in various trade areas. The revised agricultural programme will also launch for Year 11 students in 2026. The refreshed programme will provide cutting-edge insights and practical experience in the agricultural sector, offering micro-credential qualifications for agriculture, integration of agribusiness and agritech into the curriculum, and significant expansion of partnerships between school and the farming community. Funding for phase 1 and 2 of construction is being met by the Mount Hutt College board of trustee reserves and funding grants. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in August. Initial stages include a large, 324sqm pole shed with dedicated workshops, a 600sqm agricultural garden area, and a new driveway and car park. Looking ahead, phase 3 of the hub will include a multi-use classroom, cutting-edge agricultural laboratory, kitchen space and flexible office spaces. With the cost of the entire project being close to $2 million, Mt Hutt College is currently seeking donors interested in financially supporting the phase 3 development. The asset will be available for community groups to use outside of school hours, including the Methven Summer School, which has had an ongoing partnership with the college for over a decade. In the future, it is hoped micro-credential modules will be offered to adult students as night or weekend courses, providing a platform for ongoing training opportunities. Amy says in the long term, the success of the project will rely on the community supporting work placements, tutoring and mentoring in the hub, micro-credential development and financial resourcing. Mount Hutt College is currently seeking industry experts and anyone interested in supporting the trades and agricultural programme and infrastructure developments. LYSAGHT & ASSOCIATES ARE : Designers of Agricultural & Industrial Buildings – New Builds & Alterations • Designers of Residential & Commercial Buildings • Design of Seismic Strengthening to Existing Structures • Experts in Building Consent, Exemptions & Compliance Issues 49 Grigg St, Ashburton P 03 307 2381 M 021 0843 8173 E info@lysaghtassociates.co.nz W lysaghtassociates.co.nz Proud to have designed the newOpuke Innovation Hub ClassroomBuilding for Mount Hutt College
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