Skills Group’s trial of a six-month full-time Electrical Pre-Trade Programme at its Highbrook campus in Auckland has proven so successful that it is now offering more of the courses over the coming months.
Skills Group Campus Manager Tony Atina says results from the pilot show that accelerated full-time vocational training can deliver high-quality outcomes while lifting learner engagement and completion rates.
Traditionally offered as a one-year, three days per week course, the electrical pre-trade qualification was reimagined into a six-month, full-time model.
The new format was designed and led by Skills Group tutor William McKenzie.
“His prior experience as an electrician combined with work on an accelerated pre-trade programme helped ensure quality and cohesion were maintained throughout the condensed delivery,” Tony says.
“We saw a clear opportunity to redesign the pre-trade model around learner needs. Students were asking for faster, more immersive pathways to employment. The six-month format gives them the focus and structure they need to stay motivated and succeed without cutting corners.”
The six-month trial was introduced in response to strong learner demand and capped annual enrolments for the traditional one-year model. Many students, particularly school leavers, wanted a full-time option that offered faster entry into apprenticeships or employment.
The first cohort which started in May 2024 comprised 25 students, 23 of whom completed the course -representing a 92% retention rate. A second cohort is now underway and showing similarly high engagement.
Learner Jessica Jones says she liked that the course was shorter than the other one-year option.
“It was way better than I expected and was thorough and well taught. It was a good class size and a great mix of theory and practical.”
Delivered in a purpose-built classroom integrating theory and practice, the programme creates a seamless learning environment where students apply concepts through hands-on activities each day. This immersive approach mirrors real industry conditions and keeps learners connected to the purpose of their study.
“The impact of the six-month format has been significant. Learners achieved an average capstone score of 84.4%, with top results reaching 98%. Tutors reported higher attendance, stronger engagement, and improved applied understanding compared with the one-year model.
“The results speak for themselves,” Tony says.
“Learners are thriving in the full-time format they stay focused, support each other, and transition smoothly into apprenticeships.”
Feedback from employers and industry partners has also been highly positive.
“Graduates from the six-month course are noted for their technical understanding competence and readiness for workplace learning. Furthermore, during Skills Group’s recent External Evaluation and Review (EER), evaluators commended the programme’s design and responsiveness to both learner and industry needs.”
Following the success of the pilot, Skills Group confirmed a second cohort for 2025 which started in July and another four for 2026 with the first starting in January. The model is now viewed as both sustainable and scalable, with potential application across other trades and disciplines. It will be offered alongside the existing 12-month model offering learners the best of both worlds.
The programme’s design - centred on contextual learning, strong tutor collaboration, and balance between theory and practice - provides a blueprint for rethinking vocational education delivery nationwide.
Tony says, “This model shows that with the right structure, vocational learners can gain the same depth of knowledge in less time and enter the workforce ready to contribute.”
