A new trades training academy, aimed at creating careers for students soon to finish school, has opened in Nelson.
Some 100 students have enrolled in the Nelson-Tasman academy, one of 13 around the country.
The academy, at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, has no fees and is open to year 12 and 13 students who have level one NCEA.
Students from five secondary schools are to spend one day per week at the polytech.
