Vicki Cooper
Vicki Cooper is no stranger to hard work. With a career spanning construction, plumbing, electrical and even dairy farming, she’s now adding joinery to her toolkit - completing a Certificate in Construction Trades Skills (Joinery / Allied Trades) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology’s Rotorua Campus.
“I’ve done it all,” says Vicki. “I’m an ex-dairy farmer, but I wanted a change. I thought, before I make my next career move, it would be great to upskill in something. That’s why I chose joinery at Toi Ohomai.”
The year-long course, offered in Rotorua, Taupō and Whakatāne, covers timber and board, machining and assembly, and both interior and exterior joinery. It’s designed to ensure graduates are work-ready, with a balance of theory and hands-on learning.
“We do a bit of everything,” Vicki says. “Our tutor is great. He’s really easy to get on with and always helps us out when we need a hand.”
Vicki, who is set to complete her qualification in November, has built a range of projects throughout the programme, including an infinity cube, toolbox, and coffee table.
“The infinity cube was a challenge,” she says. “It was tricky. You cut all the four-by-two pieces, then use machinery to make a cube that gives the illusion of going forever. You don’t know where it starts or finishes.”
Most of the coursework is done using plywood or MDF, and students also complete booklets, classwork, and computer-based learning. Topics include design and measurement theory, and health and safety.
“I’d say the course is half practical and half theory,” Vicki explains.
Vicki also makes the most of additional learning and networking opportunities available to her through Toi Ohomai. She’s a member of Wāhine Maia – Women in Trades, a free networking group for female ākonga completing a trades qualification at the institute.
“It’s inspiring to see women do so well in what are traditionally male-dominated industries,” Vicki says.
“Recently, we heard from a female industrial electrician from Auckland, and I also attended a weekend joinery seminar where presenters discussed the best materials to use in cabinet making... our tutor Paul organised for our class to attend that. It was a great opportunity.”
Living just five minutes from campus, Vicki enjoys the convenience of studying close to home. She also keeps busy during semester breaks, taking on building and tiling projects to help fund her training.
“I went to Auckland over the mid-semester break and built a 17m by 2.5m deck. I’ve also built fences and completed tiling work. I really enjoy the construction sector, and having a varied career path. It works for me, because I like to live in the moment,” Vicki says.