August 07, 2020
Tokoroa gets trade training boost
Trade training in south Waikato has had a major boost with the announcement of $14 million trades training centre in Tokoroa catering for up to 500 students a year.
The bulk of the money, more than $10 million, is coming from the government, with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Trust Waikato and the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust or SWIFT each chipping in $1 million.
Toi Ohomai chief executive Dr Leon Fourie says when it opens in 2022 it will replace three existing sites in Tokoroa that are no longer fit for purpose, and means learners can be supported in the town rather than having to travel to Rotorua, Hamilton or Taupo.
He says partnerships with local iwi and Pasifika is critical given the Māori population of the South Waikato is 25 per cent – 35 per cent in Tokoroa – and 12 per cent Pasifika.
The polytechnic will run the training centre in partnership with SWIFT, South Waikato District Council, Raukawa, the Pacific Island community and with strong alignment with the business community.
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