Students Power Charity by Testing Electrical Devices for Sale

Students enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) program are providing valuable support to the charity Orphans Aid by testing and tagging donated electrical devices. This initiative allows the charity to sell the items in its op shop located in North Dunedin, ensuring that the products are safe for consumers while giving students practical, hands-on experience.

The collaboration began when Orphans Aid reached out to the local polytechnic to explore ways to enhance its operations. According to Brian Freeman, principal lecturer and program lead, this partnership serves dual purposes. “So they bring it over, we teach our guys how to do it, they test them and then they take them away and we get another lot,” he explained. This process not only benefits the charity by reducing costs but also allows students to develop essential skills they would learn anyway.

Finn Bowman, a student who transitioned from a career in the film industry, shared his enthusiasm about the program. After years of working 80-hour weeks in Auckland and Wellington, he sought a career that offered transferable skills. “It’s been mean, it’s fun, fascinating, challenging,” Bowman said, reflecting on the first six months of the course. He enjoys the balance between theory and practical training, stating, “I’ve just always liked working with tools. I like doing stuff physically, rather than theory-wise.”

The comprehensive curriculum includes physics, legislation, and practical assessments that focus on typical domestic wiring tasks. Freeman highlighted that the program is centered around building confidence on the tools while front-loading apprentice theory. The course remains popular, with a capacity for 80 students across four streams and promising enrollment numbers for the upcoming year. “We have actually got good numbers for next year,” he noted, adding that spaces are still available for those interested in joining the program in 2026.

Orphans Aid’s lead op shop manager, Susie Gardyne, expressed gratitude for the students’ contributions. The large batches of appliances they supply for testing and tagging help the charity avoid what would otherwise be a costly process. “We are very grateful,” she stated, underscoring the significance of this collaboration.

Founded approximately 20 years ago, Orphans Aid operates various projects worldwide that focus on feeding and supporting vulnerable children. One of its initiatives involves assisting displaced children from Ukraine. Recently, members of Orphans Aid were invited to a prayer breakfast hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reflecting the organization’s global engagement and commitment to humanitarian efforts.

This partnership not only enhances the operational capacity of Orphans Aid but also equips students with the skills necessary for their future careers in the electrical trade. As the collaboration progresses, both parties continue to benefit, creating a positive impact on the community.