Trades upgrade reaches halfway

Author: Andrei Robertson - SIT Marketing
Date posted: 11/06/12

SIT’s latest construction project has now reached the halfway point as part of a $5 million upgrade to its trade course facilities at the main Invercargill campus.

The new buildings have already seen the automotive engineering classes move back in earlier this year.  The upgrade comes in time as the Government offers Institutes of Technology and Polytech’s (ITP’s) extra funding to help rebuild Christchurch in the wake of the earthquakes.

The new housing will offer brand new facilities and the most recent technology available for student use across a range of subjects, from automotive and mechanic engineering to automotive heavy trades, joinery and construction. 

SIT Head of Faculty for Trades and Technology Mike Grumball says the project has already reached stage two of four.  “At the moment the joinery department are moving into their new workshop and the Industry Centre is also being occupied with specialist engineering equipment.”

The industry centre features state of the art equipment, requiring specialists from Christchurch to transport it into the new premises.  It is one of only two such purpose-built rooms out of the 19 ITP’s in New Zealand.  “The remaining two stages will be underway shortly and everything is due to be finished by the end of the year.  The total cost of the project is approximately $5 million.”

All of the equipment going into the area was purchased over the past couple of years and is now able to be moved back into one area, making it easier for student use.  “It is now able to be located in the one purpose-built facility.”