Celebrations through the roof at Toi Ohomai

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology construction students held a roof shout today to celebrate the work done so far on this year's Charity House project.

The students are building the house so it can be auctioned off at the end of the year. The proceeds will go to Rotorua community groups.

It is the fifth house build for the project.

AJ Smith, programme area lead for construction at Toi Ohomai, said about 50 students were helping with the project.

Dayharn Haimona, (left), 19, Caleb Clifford, 19, and James Swettenham, 26, are helping build this year's Toi Ohomai Charity House. Photo/Ben Fraser

"The students are predominately carpentry, but we also have electrical students and design students involved with the build as well. The roof's on, and the exterior sub-cladding is now on, and so we're set up to go through the winter and the bad months."

He said the students were doing well.

"They're enthusiastic ... the auction is the first weekend of December, so we're aiming for that. The course finishes at the end of November so pretty much the build side is done by then, and then sub-contractors come in and do their part.

"This course is pre-trade, it's one year, and the point is to get them ready to go into the industry and become apprentices."

James Swettenham, 26, said his joinery course was going well.

"I'm learning a lot, and I've been surprised at what goes into [building a house]. Toi Ohomai has made it a simple and enjoyable process."

Caleb Clifford, 19, said building a house had been a "very enlightening" experience.

Charity house roof shout at Toi Ohomai. Photo/Ben Fraser

"It's a good use of skills. I've been learning to think things through, not panic when something goes wrong. It's really good knowing the money raised will go to charity and that a family will live there - it's warm and cosy."

Construction student Dayharn Haimona, 19, said he was drawn to the project because he wanted to help others.

"It's really inspiring; I liked the idea of helping. I want to carry on in the building industry."

The course was not as male dominated as expected, Mr Smith said.

"We have four females in the construction course ... the female market is one we'd like to attract more of."

Architect John Chittenden said it was nice to be at the ceremony.

"I get a kick out of seeing the process."

Mr Chittenden said next year interior design students would produce the concept for the house.