Tremains Trade School is a free, hands-on programme where school leavers and young people learn practical trade and life skills by doing them with real tools.
It is the first sponsored intake of Upskillz, Taupō Timebank’s skills programme, and runs at the community gardens at 250 Spa Road. Over six weeks it gives a 101 in a wide range of skills: power tool safety, building, gardening, basic mechanics, home repairs, keeping chickens and cooking.
Tremains is covering the cost, so there is no charge for students.
From our last groups
What you’ll learn: a sample 6-week programme. Each week is a 101 in a different set of skills. We tailor each course to suit the learners, the environment and the outcomes wanted.
Week 1: Tools and Safety 101
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Skills: Safety on site, and how to use key power tools such as drills, saws and sanders.
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Project: Start building a raised garden bed.
Week 2: Building 101
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Skills: Carpentry basics: measuring, cutting and assembling timber.
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Project: Finish the garden bed.
Week 3: Growing 101
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Skills: Soil health, planting, composting and growing food.
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Project: Plant the garden bed and set up a compost system.
Week 4: Fix-it 101
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Skills: Basic mechanics, home repairs and plumbing, from bike maintenance to fixing a leaking tap.
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Project: Service a bicycle and complete a household repair.
Week 5: Chickens 101
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Skills: Keeping chickens: housing, feeding, health and collecting eggs.
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Project: Help look after the flock at the gardens.
Week 6: Kai 101 and Graduation
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Skills: Food preparation, cooking and nutrition.
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Project: Cook a shared meal with produce from the gardens, then graduate.
Register your interest
The start date is still to be confirmed. Leave your details and we’ll be in touch as soon as it is set.
