level 3

Tongan student Steve Mafi always knew he wanted to be a builder. Practical-minded and good with his hands, Steve has dreamed of working in construction since he was a very young boy. And at the age of 17, Steve is on the cusp of achieving his dream thanks to OCA’s Trades at School Programme. An innovative, one-year programme aimed at year 12 and 13 students, Trades at School offers a bridge between school and work for those kids that are interested in the trades as a career. Steve Mafi signed up for the programme while still a student at De La Salle College [...]

David Taumoeanga’s message to fellow graduates, staff and guests at the OCA 2019 Graduation, in his words would be “short but sweet” David is a graduate from OCA’s New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Carpentry) Level 3 programme and was invited to be a student speaker at the 2019 OCA Graduation. Before joining OCA he considered himself to be a normal kid looking for a future for himself.  He recognized that he didn’t do well at school, but that hasn’t stopped him from reaching his goal of gaining a Trade Certificate in construction. He acknowledges OCA for [...]