New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2) (Construction)

Damon Duyvesteyn - Construction

“I love everything about this course. I like doing the hands-on work and the feeling of satisfaction when we’ve made something, and it’s a lot easier to learn here than at school because I can see why we need to know things. I remember building a table and chairs at school in construction and it was my favourite subject because it was so hands-on.”

“But it’s a real surprise that I’m doing construction now. I wanted to do engineering and mechanics but Dad suggested I do construction because I could always get a job and that I’d be outside instead of in a shed. I didn’t really want to but I agreed to do it. It seems he knew something, because I love it. I’m even happy to catch my sister’s school bus so that I can get here.”

“We’ve already been building things on-campus like tables, a saw-horse, and making a chiselled-out box for an oilstone. Making things gives you such a sense of achievement. The other students are really friendly and we all help each other, just as a group should. I’m one of the youngest but we all get along because we’re interested in the same things. It’s one of the best classes I’ve ever been in. Everyone is so relaxed and just getting on with it.”

“I want to carry on and do level 3 where we start building fences and a deck. By getting this ticket I’ll always be able to get work and I can still do engineering later or as a hobby and fix up an old car. Once I’ve had enough experience, my dream is to design and build my own house from scratch.”

Georgina Whaley - Carpentry

“When I was a kid I loved making things with blocks and play dough. I built a tree-house for our cat from scrap wood from our house. Other family members are now in brick laying and building so I know what I’m in for and I love it.”

“I did the free course last year and was a lot more interested in it than I thought I’d be, so when I saw the pamphlet about this next level, I was in. It had the subjects I was interested in and I’m loving what I’m learning. The tutor is strict but laid back. He puts things in order then leaves us to do the work at our own pace but he’ll put us back on track if we need it. The other students are all guys but we all support each other and socialize together – including the tutor.”

“I have to focus to keep up but I’m surprised at how much more I’m memorising than I have in the past, because I’m really keen and the tutor helps us with study skills.”

“From here I want to get an apprenticeship then hope to build family homes in the community. At the moment it’s one step at a time.”

Katherine Watkins - Carpentry

“I’ve always loved working with wood but felt like it was a boys’ thing. The idea kept coming back and I wanted to study while the kids were still at home so this basic course was a good place to start. Having another girl in the class too made it easier to come on board. I’ve just finished the course, and construction is definitely what I want to do.”

“I especially love learning about the bigger tools and how to use them safely. And I’ve fallen in love with the hand router. I had no idea it existed and I love using it. We had the most amazing tutor and he treated everyone the same. He set strict boundaries and disciplines plus we felt comfortable enough to ask him absolutely anything. If I mucked up with a project, I would call it ‘customizing it’ and together we would work out how to improve it.”

“Maths was my challenge but once I could see the relevance for it, I was keen enough to spend extra study time and managed to work it out. I want to craft and sell my own small furniture and to fix my house and I need the maths to do that.”

“Since I’ve finished the course, I’m making a lot more pieces at home. My motivation and my standard of work have both really lifted. I’ll be applying for the next level course next year so that I’ve got more options to get into construction work wherever and whenever I want – either in jobs or for myself.”

“Having my own business creating and selling small pieces of furniture would be the ultimate for me.”