The academy was a collaboration of South Otago High School (SOHS), Big River Homes (BRH), Otago Polytechnic and Clutha District Council’s (CDC) Jobbortunities.
"It keeps students engaged so they stay in school longer and it’s great for the community as well," SOHS principal Mike Wright said.
"They’re not paid, but it costs them nothing.
"They’re sacrificing their time now towards apprenticeships and well-paid careers later.
"That’s a major thing for the teenage brain."
The academy began when SOHS was struggling to replace a technology teacher.
Mr Wright reached out to Otago Polytechnic and CDC Mayor Bryan Cadogan with an idea for a building programme at the high school.
The mayor contacted builder and BRH owner Mark Van Asperen, who offered to host the programme at his construction yard.
Today the academy receives government funding and boasts 50 trainees passed into apprenticeships and trades.
Thirteen male and female trainees, including pupils from Dunedin high schools are at present on site twice a week, under the guidance of Otago Polytech trades lecturer Jamie Todd.
"It’s a great opportunity, we need more programmes like this," Mr Todd said.
"There was nothing like this when I was school age.
"It was all about university and when I told people I wanted a building apprenticeship I was frowned at.
"All that has drastically changed now.
"I can see programmes like this shaping up into the future.
"About 90% of our students get apprenticeships, but have to work at it. You can’t just walk into it."
The mayor, who had arrived with a celebratory smoko shout summed up the local situation.
"The last big push with apprentices was in the 1980s.
"Those guys are in their 60s now and only have a few years to pass their knowledge on to the new generation before we lose it, locally.
"Clutha wants to grow, we’re opening new subdivisions.
"Those are opportunities for young people to stay and prosper and build their lives here, and the district along with them.
"Job opportunities provide the wraparound support to get them started."
He said the programme would have stalled without Mr Van Asperen’s assistance.
"Some of the guys who’ve been through are driving flasher utes then me now," Mr Van Asperen said.
"Not only have they got the tools and skills to go on into business themselves, they gain inside knowledge of the housing and construction sector, which is a huge advantage for getting on the property ladder.
"One of our old-boys is a homeowner at [age] 21."
Enjoying their pies, the year 13 pupils agreed the academy was the right school option for them.
"By year 12-13 you’re pretty sick of desks and textbooks and if that’s all there is you’d probably just leave," 18 year-old Kings College student Tom Severne said.
"Here, we’re out of the classroom working on something real, but we’re still in school earning [NCEA] credits."
Most were planning to find full-time, paid apprenticeships when their school days were over.
