From “woodwork corner” to graduation, apprentice celebrates joinery qualification

_{Jamal Cherry at Ara Spring Graduation had (from left) employer Steve Porter, mum Penny and dad Robert there in support}

Jamal Cherry was the little boy you’d always find in the woodwork corner at kindy.

Almost 20 years on, the mum who did those kindy drop-offs now has a new kitchen - planned, built and fitted by her son who’s just graduated from Ara Institute of Canterbury.

The kitchen was his first major solo project as a joiner after finishing his Trades studies. “It wasn’t too complicated, but it took a long time to complete. It’s got some nice features like built-in lighting in the pantry,” Cherry said.

At school Cherry enjoyed hands on “tech” courses the most, and when the practical learner was searching for his next steps, he signed on to the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Level 3) with a strand in Joinery.

He said he hasn’t looked back.

“I was looking for something practical as I always found writing and English-based courses challenging,” he said. “I enjoyed woodwork classes at high school, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I followed a suggestion to do my Pre-Trade at Ara and it took off from there.”

At Ara’s Spring graduation he celebrated completion of the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4), Cabinetry strand. Along with family, his employer, Steve Porter from The Kitchen Team in Belfast, was also there in support.

“We reached out to Ara when we were starting to look for someone to take on, and Jamal’s skills have gone from strength to strength,” Porter said. “It’s great to be here in support as he’s our first apprentice and it’s a great way to show we value our people.”

Trades Portfolio Manager Mandy Gould said there were many life-changing stories among the 200-plus leaners who’d completed Trades study offerings in the Spring graduation cohort.

“Many start with Foundation or Pre-Trade Level 3 courses just like Jamal. It’s always fantastic to celebrate higher qualifications, apprenticeships and life-long learning at Ara - especially when we see learners grow in confidence and find their place in the industry,” Gould said.

_{Joiner in the making - Jamal's interest in woodwork started early}

Cherry credits Ara with providing a supportive learning environment, connecting him with his employer and offering him further opportunities for learning as he completes his apprenticeship.

“I’m still doing my block courses through Ara and also enjoying my fourth year of night classes now. I’m currently completing the Level 4 Joinery strand specialising in stairs as it’s interesting to learn new concepts and I’m keen to expand what I can do and make.

“My plan is to stay in the industry and keep learning and growing.”

Cherry was happy to put his tools down for the afternoon to graduate and celebrate.
“When I think back to hammering blocks of wood together at kindy, and enjoying engineering style projects at school, this has been a long time coming!” he said.

_{A new kitchen for mum and dad - complete with Paddington splashback was Jamal's first major solo project}