UCOL U-Skills ākonga bring designs to life

Secondary school ākonga from across Manawatū, Whanganui and Horowhenua have put their skills into practice at UCOL this year, creating scale models of residential buildings and a wharenui as part of the 2026 U-Skills Applied Construction Design Level 3 programme.

The U-Skills programme gives Year 12 and 13 ākonga hands-on, industry-relevant learning one day a week while continuing their school studies.

Working in four teams, the Year 12 and 13 ākonga applied what they had learned during the eight-month programme, using architectural plans and construction methods to turn their concepts into completed models.

Grant ‘Mac’ McCormick, UCOL Lecturer Architectural Technology & Applied Construction Design, says three teams constructed 1:10 scale residential buildings, each with different features, including skillion roofs, verandas, and decks.

"Students built the models from the foundations up, completing wall framing and cladding, roof trusses and roofing.

"A fourth team was tasked with designing and constructing the front section of a wharenui, including their own designs for the maihi, raparapa and amo. These elements reflected the students’ journey through the course and demonstrated the skills and knowledge they had developed.

"Each team worked from construction plans, using recognised design methods and New Zealand timber-framed building standards to create models that met the design requirements."

McCormick says the hands-on project is a key component of UCOL’s U-Skills Applied Construction Design Level 3 programme, which gives secondary school students interested in construction, design and architecture the opportunity to study at UCOL while continuing their school studies.

"Students attend UCOL one day a week over eight months, gaining practical skills, experiencing tertiary study and exploring possible future study and career pathways.

"They begin by learning the principles of different drawing styles using manual drawing equipment before progressing to construction projections, plans and elevations using 2D computer-aided design (CAD) software, along with an introduction to 3D modelling.

"Students learn construction terminology and building methods, developing the skills needed to interpret plans and bring their designs to life.

"Alongside technical skills, the model-building project develops problem-solving, accuracy and teamwork, with students working together to turn plans on paper into completed structures.

“The personal growth we see from our students during the year is just as important as the technical skills and knowledge they gain,” says McCormick.

Ākonga, Krithika Palika, says she really enjoyed the course.

"It gave me the opportunity to learn new things, be creative and experience what it is like to work in the design and construction field.

"I learnt new skills in design, AutoCAD, technical drawing and working with different materials. I also improved my confidence and problem-solving skills.

"I was surprised by how much detail and patience goes into design and construction. I also enjoyed seeing an idea develop from a drawing into something real.

"I plan to continue my studies and explore different areas that interest me, including design, fashion and other creative skills. I would also like to keep building my skills and experience for my future career," says Palika.