The ambitious transformation of a 1970s ex-state house at One Tree Hill College is underway.

The project, led by trades teacher Charlotte McKeon, offers students practical experience for future trade apprenticeships.

The students are hard at work, tearing down walls and pulling up floors, aiming to turn the house into a healthy, dry home.

This initiative, supported by Kāinga Ora, gives students hands-on experience and prepares them for employment in the trades.

The completed house will be auctioned in December, with proceeds funding the programme's continuation and expansion.

"Students were here early in the morning, even in the rain," said McKeon, who is also in the third year of her architecture degree at the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries, University of Auckland. "We can’t keep them away. It’s a wonderful problem to have such enthusiastic students."

About eight students work on the house at a time, supervised by McKeon and a licensed builder.

Despite only having an hour during trade class periods, many students volunteer for Saturday classes to spend more time on the project.

The social housing agency provided the home for a nominal fee and arranged its transport to the college.

This project is part of Kāinga Ora’s efforts to support trade apprentice training and develop skilled workers.

The house will be upgraded to a certified Homestar level seven home, making it more sustainable and cost-efficient.

The initiative also involves 17 young women, supported by Women in Trades, a non-profit promoting trades as a viable career path for women.

McKeon, who started as a metalwork teacher before studying architecture, finds the project rewarding.

“The joy of learning and seeing opportunities for improving building practices makes getting up very early every morning worth it. Life is busy anyway, and you might as well be frantic doing something you love.”

Upon completing her bachelor's degree this year, McKeon plans to pursue a master’s degree, focusing on improving state houses for warm, comfortable, and affordable living.

“The sooner we can do that with our stock in New Zealand, the healthier our people will be – and that will be better for all of us.”