Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker has been part of a steering group initiative, which includes representatives from local industry trainers and the Otakou runanga, to promote the scheme.
A report is scheduled to be tabled by the chief executive at a polytechnic council meeting tomorrow. Mr Ker's report says planning is well under way by the steering group to encourage Maori students into the trades.
Course curriculums are to be adapted to integrate Maori knowledge and learning, while polytechnic personnel will also be "dedicated to pastoral care" - effectively providing assistance to the new students.
"The delivery of practical components [of trades training] in conjunction with local runaka will be an objective," Mr Ker's report says.
Students will be placed in existing programmes next year, with other courses to be provided "in line with demand" from midyear.
The polytechnic is scheduled to conduct a marketing campaign to promote the scheme, culminating in a careers expo next month.
Otago Polytechnic recently offered 19 scholarships to the top year 13 Maori high-achieving pupils at the Mana Pounamu Awards ceremony last week as a means of encouraging them to pursue tertiary education.
Otago Polytechnic is a supporter of the Mana Pounamu awards, a Kai Tahu initiative that is also backed by Ka Papatipu Runaka ki Araiteuru, the University of Otago, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and the Ministry of Education.