Recent graduate of SIT’s Pre-trade Joinery Course, Nicola Brunold’s qualification has opened doors to new skills and a new career path, much to her delight. Nicola says she’s always been a ‘hands-on creative person’. Combined with her love of making rustic pieces of furniture, it was an obvious fit when she heard about SIT’s Joinery course. Nicola jumped at the chance to further her skills and opportunities by committing to the 26 week fulltime course. Spending three days per week at the course allows students the remainder of the week to gain work experience with local businesses where possible.
Nicola says she learnt so much while doing the pre trade course, from hand tool use and maintenance, right through to machinery use and safety, all skills are practised and honed through the series of projects students complete.
SIT’s new Joinery facility is believed to be the best in the country, allowing the students to work in an ‘industry standard’ environment. The large, well-appointed machine shop houses high quality, modern industrial machinery required to manufacture kitchens, furniture, doors, windows and cabinetry. Students manufacture up to 11 full size projects as part of their course, learning a wide range of hand tool, machine operation, finishing and assembly skills along the way.
“Alongside my individual projects I had the opportunity to work as part of a group to make and install a kitchen for one of the houses built by the carpentry department,” said Nicola.
And to add to what she had already achieved, at the completion of her course Nicola was awarded the Laminex New Zealand Award for Top Student – Joinery Pre-trade. She said “To be honest I was very shocked to find out that I had won the Laminex award, but also very honoured and proud of what I have achieved. I would like to thank Pooles Joinery, Heritage Furniture and Arc Tech Joinery for giving me the opportunity of work experience throughout the course of my study. And a big thank-you to my tutors at SIT.”
Nicola’s qualification has already helped her secure a position. “Since completing the Pre-trade joinery course, I am pleased to say I have started my apprenticeship at Pooles Joinery. I highly recommend this course, not only did I gain skills and knowledge but I also gained the confidence that has led to a new career path” she added.