Designed as a foundational, career launching program, TradeBase is a Breen led initiative supporting the skills development of young people looking to enter construction trades.
Where other programs offer valuable exposure to our industry, TradeBase goes further. We deliver real industry experience in a controlled, consistent and high-quality environment. Students don’t just visit a job site – they become part of a structured learning journey, guided by Breen professionals and supported by competency-based training, that delivers unit standards and NCEA credits.
It is a place where practical learning meets real-world experience. With a focus on carpentry and construction fundamentals, TradeBase helps students build confidence, capability, and can help deliver a clear pathway into the workforce.
Our goal is simple – support schools, strengthen local talent, and create futures for students built on solid foundations.
The students at Wakatipu work alongside friends and classmates, in a setting hat can only be described as awe inspiring. Situated right on the edge of the school grounds where peers, teachers and whanau can easily see and celebrate their progress.
Our Dunstan students are gaining hands-on experience in an environment that truly reflects industry standards. Despite their cheeky front, these students are dedicated to the build, fostering excellent collaboration and demonstrating to whanau, their school and the industry the importance of keeping local talent, local!
We are lucky enough to have two excellent foreman present as our Breen tutors for the 2026 school year. John Miles and Kerry Raikes expertly lead and empower our students to achieve both practical skills and NCEA credits simultaneously.
Leading industry brands support individual TradeBase sites by providing goods, services and funding that help ensure the programme remains free for students. You can see our 2026 partners listed below.
In 2026 both Wakatipu and Dunstan High Schools opened their doors to the idea of students building a real transportable cottage on school grounds. Their encouragement and support of not just the students but the programme is second to none.
In 2026, BCITO came on as the training partner for the TradeBase programmes, providing the students with mentorship, guidance and of course, all important assessments. A crucial part of the story.
A huge thank you to CLT for their support in providing funding to the schools to enable TradeBase to run smoothly and consistently each term.
The Wakatipu TradeBase Class of 2026 has spent the school year building skills, confidence and a very real 69m² home. Now that home is finished, and we’re looking for someone to give it an address. There’s something quite powerful about learning a trade by actually doing it. That’s the thinking behind TradeBase by Breen.
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