Women’s’ Positive Learning – New Plymouth Programme

Student B

B started with WLP as a referral from Careers Services, after a marriage breakdown and several family crises. She had no formal qualifications and hadn’t worked for 20 years. B was shy, had low self-esteem and no confidence at all.

B applied herself well and completed NZQA NCEA Level 1 and NCES in a very short time. Her roles included Student Representative and she displayed clear leadership roles. B enjoyed peer tutoring other students with Maths, developing rapport with low level learners.

Result B is now completing UPSKILL Level 5 Adult Education and Training and has been workbase training with WPL and this year joins the staff as a part-time tutor.

I believe she is an inspiration to others and has earned the respect of both staff and students.

B comments “I didn’t believe in myself and never thought my teenage dream could come true. But with the encouragement and support of the right people plus a lot of hard work, anything is possible.”

Student C.T

C.T applied for the WPL course because she was too embarrassed to write a note to her children’s teachers, as it was always questions as to who wrote it. C.T worked with the literacy tutor to correct basic literacy gaps. She already had several credits from a distance learning programme but needed the practical application of these skills.

2006 - Completed NCEA Level 1 and NCES. Applied for position in a very busy kitchen and was surprised to find she needs to use measurement skills to weigh food. The pressure and heat of a small kitchen caused a physical problem which Doctors advised would only get worse working in that environment.

2007 – C.T came back to course for a short time and was offered work trial in a hostel kitchen – less pressure and an airy, cooler environment. C.T is now coping health wise.

It would have been so easy to give up. WPL admires her for taking another risk and wish her well for future.

Early Childhood Education and Care Programme – Hamilton

Student G

When G joined Insight Learning Academy at the beginning of 2007 her confidence in undertaking academic studies was low due to an earlier negative experience.

But as G worked through the Caring 4 Young Children Unit Assessments her self-belief grew and developed and she began to realize that she was more than capable of completing her studies.

As her confidence and self-esteem grew, G proved to be an outstanding student. Her assessment was always of a very high standard and displayed amazing creative talent. She became fully involved in all the class activities and excellent leadership skills began to emerge. With her attitude to succeed against all odds she became a great role model and an inspiration to all the other students.

Because of the great respect students and staff developed towards G, she was nominated for the Private Training Student of the Year Award for New Zealand. When G won this award she was overwhelmed but it made her realize she was more than capable of pursuing her dream career in teaching. Something she felt she would never have the ability to achieve.

This newfound confidence motivated G to apply for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) Study programme at Waikato University and resulted in her being accepted. She begins her studies in February 2008.

If G can do it so can you!

Student P

Student P completed the National Certificate in Community Support in November 2007. In December 2007 she successfully obtained full time work in Mental Health Services, which was her field of choice. Her successful placement is as a Community Support Professional with Richmond New Zealand, working a 3pm – 11pm shift. She is sitting her full drivers’ licence next week, which will give her further options within the service. In particular she will be able to apply to do day shifts, which involves driving clients to various appointments and activities.

I spoke to P by phone today, and she tells me she likes everything about her job. She fits in with all the staff and management and the clients have told her they enjoy having her around. This student outcome is particularly satisfying to me, given that this is her dream job and had lived up to all of her expectations.

Skills 4 Life Programme – Youth Hamilton

Student D

D began her studies at Insight early in 2007. Many challenges had already confronted D in her short 16 years. The unexpected death of her father, adjusting to a new city after having spent her life in Auckland, making new friends and struggling with dyslexia.

Where most teenagers would have given up hope and been led down a path of rebellion, D stayed strong and motivated. She had set a goal for herself, she wanted NCEA. Within a year she had reached that goal. D was proud of what she was capable of and by now her motivation was growing. Her next goal was the National Certificate in Employment Skills and again determination and hard work helped her achieve this. Her goal setting didn’t cease, she had big plans for herself and knew she shouldn’t rely on others to help her attain them. D wanted to be more independent so her next task was to find employment. Again with the same determination in no time at all she had found herself part time work. D’s most challenging goal is to someday own a business and has already set the wheels in motion by being accepted into further training in Hospitality for 2008. Her aim is to complete her studies, work in the hospitality industry to gain the experience that is needed and one day own and operate a bar.

Optionz + Programme – Paeroa

Student W.O

W.O attended Optionz + for 2 years. She progressed very slowly through the written work, although she always had a good attitude and tried hard. She was fearful of getting a job (she never had one) as she had spent years helping the whanau with a sick father. Over time she gained confidence and accepted work experience set up by Insight. One position at a local car facility resulted in a permanent job being offered to her which she has now been in for 9 months – still as motivated as ever. The people she works with love her bubbly nature and enthusiasm.