Upskillz is designed to equip school leavers with essential foundational skills that are practical, hands-on, and applicable to being self sufficient and employable. This 10-week block introduces participants to basic trade and life skills, including power tool safety, carpentry, gardening, mechanics, electrical work, bush craft and cooking.
Upskillz emphasizes self-sufficiency, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Each session integrates these principles to foster a sense of responsibility toward oneself, others, and the environment, preparing participants for future challenges in a practical and sustainable way.
Week 1: Introduction to the Program & Power Tools Basics
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Content: Safety protocols, introduction to key power tools (drills, saws, sanders), and practical demonstrations.
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Project: Begin building a garden bed.
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Outcomes: Participants will gain confidence in using basic tools and understanding safety precautions.
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Ngā Tangata: Promotes personal safety and well-being through proper use of tools and equipment.
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Kaitiakitanga: Starting a project that involves working with natural materials (wood) for sustainable gardening.
Week 2: Carpentry Skills - Building a Garden Bed (Part 2)
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Content: Carpentry fundamentals—measuring, cutting, assembling wood structures.
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Project: Complete the garden bed.
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Outcomes: Participants will complete a functional garden bed using carpentry techniques.
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Ngā Tangata: Building connection through teamwork and group problem-solving.
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Kaitiakitanga: Emphasizes the use of sustainable materials and building for a purpose—growing food.
Week 3: Gardening Basics
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Content: Soil health, planting, composting, and sustainable gardening practices.
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Project: Planting the garden bed and establishing a compost system.
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Outcomes: Participants will understand how to grow food sustainably and nurture healthy soil.
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Ngā Tangata: Encourages well-being by teaching how to grow nutritious food for better living.
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Kaitiakitanga: Promotes long-term environmental care through organic gardening and composting.
Week 4: Basic Mechanical Skills
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Content: Introduction to basic mechanics (e.g., bike maintenance, tool repair).
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Project: Bicycle maintenance and minor repairs.
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Outcomes: Participants will learn how to maintain and repair mechanical equipment.
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Ngā Tangata: Supports personal independence and safety by providing skills for self-reliance.
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Kaitiakitanga: Encourages repair and reuse, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Week 5: Basic Electrical Skills
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Content: Safety around electricity, wiring basics, and simple household electrical repairs (e.g., replacing a plug).
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Project: Wiring a basic electrical circuit.
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Outcomes: Participants will understand basic electrical concepts and how to safely manage small electrical tasks.
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Ngā Tangata: Fosters independence by giving participants skills for safe home management.
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Kaitiakitanga: Teaches energy efficiency and the importance of electrical safety, linking to long-term sustainability.
Week 6: Introduction to Plumbing and Water Systems
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Content: Understanding household plumbing, water conservation, and fixing leaks.
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Project: Fixing a basic plumbing issue (e.g., repairing a leaky tap).
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Outcomes: Participants will learn water-saving techniques and basic plumbing skills.
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Ngā Tangata: Supports well-being by providing essential skills for home maintenance.
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Kaitiakitanga: Encourages water conservation as a critical part of long-term environmental care.
Week 7: Cooking Basics
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Content: Food preparation, cooking techniques, and nutrition.
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Project: Cooking a meal using ingredients from the garden bed planted earlier.
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Outcomes: Participants will learn to prepare simple, nutritious meals and develop confidence in the kitchen.
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Ngā Tangata: Promotes healthy living by teaching participants how to cook balanced meals.
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Kaitiakitanga: Reinforces the concept of growing and cooking locally sourced food for sustainability.
Week 8: DIY Home Repairs
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Content: Minor home maintenance tasks (e.g., fixing a door, patching a wall).
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Project: Hands-on repair of common household issues.
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Outcomes: Participants will gain confidence in maintaining their homes independently.
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Ngā Tangata: Promotes safety and independence through practical home repair skills.
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Kaitiakitanga: Focus on reducing waste by fixing rather than replacing household items.
Week 9: Sustainable Living and Decarbonisation
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Content: Introduction to renewable energy, solar power, and sustainable living techniques.
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Project: Designing a basic solar-powered device or exploring energy-efficient appliances.
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Outcomes: Participants will learn the basics of renewable energy and sustainable living practices.
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Ngā Tangata: Encourages well-being and long-term planning for living in harmony with the environment.
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Kaitiakitanga: Teaches the importance of sustainable energy solutions, fostering intergenerational thinking.
Week 10: Reflection, Project Completion & Graduation
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Content: Review and reflection on the skills learned throughout the program.
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Project: Finishing any ongoing projects, discussing future applications of learned skills.
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Outcomes: Participants will complete the program with a stronger sense of confidence, self-reliance, and practical knowledge.
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Ngā Tangata: Celebrates personal growth, teamwork, and community connections.
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Kaitiakitanga: Reinforces long-term commitment to sustainable practices and stewardship of the environment.