Study Joinery at SIT

Lynley Lott made the decision to study as a mature student at SIT because she was ready for a new adventure. “I was at a life stage where I wanted to undertake study in an area of interest that would also lead to a new career challenge.” Lynley says. Studying at SIT met all of Lynley’s practical requirements. She said “SIT offered a programme that met my needs in terms of cost, location and duration of study.”

Many students commit to study in order to learn new skills and this was an important factor for Lynley. She said “I learnt skills that would enable me to enter the industry and give future employers confidence that I could demonstrate a safe work attitude". The advantage of working on equipment that you'd find in any joinery business gives SIT students real life experience for their future career. "I was given opportunities working with, and learning about, different materials used in the joinery industry” said Lynley.

SIT trade courses are shaped toward helping graduates gain employment in their chosen field and Lynley has been successful in finding a role for her new abilities. “I am currently working with the awesome team at Ocean Shell Studios in Riverton, learning lots about creating quality Rimu and Paua products. This is adding to my knowledge and confidence working with wood” she said.

Lynley was awarded the 2019 Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation Award for Most Improved Student – Joinery Pre-trade. She said she was pleased to be recognised by her tutors for her personal growth in a new and exciting industry for her. “There was a great bunch of students in the class and we worked really well together.”

SIT tutors have a real passion for the industry and help students achieve some amazing results. Many SIT graduates move on to successful careers in the Joinery industry. There remains a shortage of skilled construction personnel in New Zealand and so there has never been a better time to gain a qualification.

“Being a mature student, who hadn’t studied for many years, I had wonderful support from the tutors who allowed me to experiment with materials and finishes on items we produced” Lynley said.