About National Trade Academy

Facilities, Staff and Equipment

The National Trade Academy provides New Zealand and international students with the practical skills and knowledge required to start a career in New Zealand's largest export sector, the Primary industry, and more recently the Trade sectors.

Located at 50 Corsair Drive, Wigram Airbase in Christchurch, New Zealand, our training courses are designed for all types of people including School leavers, and those looking at changing their career.

All our tutors are motivated and committed to helping their students gain a nationally recognised qualification and to assist them into employment with supportive employers.

Managing Director

Craig Musson
Craig has worked in the Agriculture and Service sectors since 1979. This has included Farming, Local Government and Education and Training. Craig holds a NZ Diploma in Business Studies, Diploma in Management, and Trade Certificate in Farming.

In August 1999, we identified a growing need for trained staff in the New Zealand agriculture sector and other land-based industries. In January 2000 the first Dairy Farming Course started and the business has grown to the point where the Academy now provides over 8 different courses for people seeking a land-based or trade-based career.

In 2002 we started our first Induction course for the Flooring Installation industry. This Trade training has since grown to include induction courses and workbased learning opportunities for other industries such as: Plumbing, Roofing, Gas fitting, Drainlaying and other general trades.

Our business

The National Trade Academy Ltd provides students with the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge, a national qualification and employment in their chosen industry.

The National Trade Academy Ltd provides employers with potential employees who have skills, knowledge, motivation and commitment to work in their chosen field.

Staff

Tutors
Our tutors are all selected for their industry skills and knowledge in the field they are teaching, their teaching qualification and/or ability to gain the necessary Certificate in Adult Teaching.

All our tutors are motivated and committed to helping their students gain a nationally recognised qualification and to assist them into employment with supportive employers.

We currently employ 17 full-time and part-time tutors for our courses.

Administration
The Academy is supported by 5 administration staff responsible for enrolments, teaching resources, student results and general administration.

Facilities

The National Trade Academy Ltd Training Centre is based at 50 Corsair Drive in Wigram Airbase. Maps are available on request. Plenty of parking is available. Students have an abundance of space for recreation, with Hornby Mall only 5 minutes drive, as is the local swimming pool. The Academy is close to a regular bus route.

The National Trade Academy Ltd Training Farm at McLeans Island on the outskirts of Christchurch has 34 hectares of land that has been developed into a dry stock farm. All Agriculture students are involved in the development and management of the livestock and the farm.

Equine Courses
Training for the Equine Courses is located at our Arion Equestrian Centre at McLeans Island and equine businesses on the outskirts and within Christchurch. Students are also involved in the operation of our Riding Centre.

Equipment and Resources
All training equipment is provided by either the Academy or the employer, including safety equipment.

This includes ATV, motorbike, fencing tools, trailer, knapsack sprayers, helmets, gloves, overalls, gumboots, resource manuals, books, videos, cattle, horses, saddles, riding equipment, sulkies, tractor, stockyards, and more.

For more information or just to get in touch, use our contact form.