HISTORY

Taranaki FEATS was incorporated on 18 March 1992. Our organisation was initially based in Stratford in the Public Trust Building's on Broadway North. At the implementation of FEATS, four courses were available for learners, these being, Service Industries, Engineering, Woodwork and Motivational Youth.

The company was formed to operate training programmes for Taranaki adults and youth. Initially the programmes were purchased by ETSA, now Tertiary Education Commission, through Training Opportunities Programmes.

June 1993, Taranaki FEATS achieved registration with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This registration identified our ability to administer a Private Training Establishment (PTE). In 1995, Taranaki FEATS received NZQA accreditation, meaning that all the appropriate learning packages were in place and to the required standard.

In late 1995, FEATS extended their business into Hawera, based at several different sites, but now being based in our own building at 6 Princess Street, opened in February 2001, known as Horizon House. This is where our course for Commercial Cookery is based, in a fully functional commercial kitchen.

Also included in our training profile, we have a course known as Flexi Training, this is designed to help those with a particular pathway, with units towards qualification for Police Force entry, Care for the Elderly, Driving Licenses, Nursing, are included in this programme, these not being included in our permanent programmes.

Being a privately owned Government funded training institute, there is no course fee's charged to our learners, providing a strict criteria is met. Taranaki FEATS has survived because of our achievement of 70% destination outcomes. This being, getting our learners into the permanent workforce around Taranaki. Achieving this target would not be possible for us with out the support of the local industry, allowing us to place our learners in their work place for work experience.

The Woodwork course was the first to be relocated to our now permanent site on Juliet Street, in early 1998. This course is now known as General Trades. Service Industries course, was temporarily relocated at the Salvation Army buildings on Fenton Street until completion of the new complex on Juliet Street, known as Kowhai Lodge.

Because of the rural situation we find ourselves in, a mini van is available to get our learners to either site. Also available is a travel subsidy for learners that are outside the van area.