Our man in the field for Tools4Work/Competenz, Brian Lane, carried out a number of PD sessions and had an incredibly positive experience engaging with schools on the East Coast of the North Island recently.

Of special note was the full-immersion high school in Ruatoria, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Te Waiu O Ngati Porou, where students are making impressive progress with their hands-on learning in mechanical engineering.


The school is developing their technology facilities under the highly capable direction of the school's principal, and ex-boiler maker, Phil Heeney.

Brian and the team checked out the school's facilities, and were impressed with the resources Phil and his teachers have built up to create a complete hands-on learning environment for their students.

Furthermore, Brian was moved by the conscientious, ‘can-do' attitude displayed by the Ruatoria students during his visit, and the enthusiasm they had for their trades-training at school."They were just so keen, well-prepared, and had some really good questions about how they could improve their skills and knowledge, which is really encouraging," says Brian.

On his journey around the sunny East Coast, Brian also dropped into Ngata Memorial College, Campion College, Waikohu College, Gisborne Boys High School, and Gisborne Girls' High School to provide support and see what's new in their trades training.

Gisborne Girls' High is actively engaging students in Gateway placements, giving their young women exposure to a variety of workplace learning opportunities, including the wider engineering sector.

"Good quality resource materials, like those provided by Tools4Work, are a great support tool," says the school's HOD Careers and Gateway/Star Coordinator, Jo Graham.

"More young women should be introduced to the trades as a career option, and the work that schools like Gisborne Girls' High are doing to support this is fantastic," adds Brian.

On his way back to Auckland from his East Coast trip, Brian joined several ITO representatives at a Careers Roadshow event organised by the Tokoroa District Council.

If you are would like to enquire about setting up a future professional development session for you or your team, please contact Brian Lane - National Moderator, Schools, on mobile 027 243 7367 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .