PROGRAMME UPDATES: BACHELOR OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION - MEET THE TEAM CAREERS IN THE WOOL INDUSTRY
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The Magazine of the SIT2LRN Distance Students December 2020 Issue 34 PROGRAMME UPDATES: BACHELOR OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION MEET THE TEAM CAREERS IN THE WOOL INDUSTRY
About SIT
Southern Institute of Technology
(SIT) is one of 16 government
Welcome to
polytechnics and institutes of
technology under the umbrella of
the Te Pukenga offering tertiary
education throughout New Zealand.
SIT programmes are accredited
SITUATION
and approved by the New Zealand
Qualifications Authority up to
master's level.
F
or many, 2020 has been – to put it politely – a bit of a crap year. There
SIT has a proud history of vocational are more blunt ways to describe it… but you get what we’re saying.
education and training. For over
40 years we have been providing There’s been that whole, you know, Covid-19 global pandemic thing…
students with quality education a couple of lockdowns… some home schooling… new words to be added to
across a range of subject areas the vernacular – managed isolation or working from home anyone?
and at a variety of levels including
postgraduate study. This variety We’ve had to adjust to no tourists, daily updates, sneeze screens, using
enables you to enter your training a tracking app, online meetings, the bulk buying of toilet rolls and flour,
at the level that suits you and to multiple daily hand washings, and a distinct lack of male grooming.
progress as you are ready. Many
of SIT2LRN's programmes link to But there have been positives too. Depending on your work, lockdown
higher level qualifications at SIT and provided opportunities to develop new skills – the country appeared to go
other institutions in New Zealand crazy for baking bread (anyone remember Chelsea Winter’s Lockdown
and throughout the world. We
Loaf?), cleaning and tidying, and getting out on bikes. In fact, if you didn’t
are constantly developing these
relationships to ensure that our have to home school any children and you weren’t too busy trying to work
graduates have maximum mobility. out how to work from home, then lockdown may have been a pretty sweet
deal.
Government Fees Free
For many SIT2LRN students, lockdown provided an opportunity to catch up
Policy and get ahead with assignments, or even to start new courses. There was a
If you are a student in your first real upsurge in enrolments for intakes three and four as students realised
year of tertiary studies you may be the benefit of studying with a trusted education provider experienced in
eligible for the Government Fees distance learning.
Free Policy. You can check your
eligibility at For students like Heather Gordon, SIT2LRN proved to be a crucial
http://www.feesfree.govt.nz. mechanism of change. Staring down an uncertain future in the tourism
industry in Fiji, she headed home unsure of what she was going to do.
You may also be eligible for free
TTAF programmes. See pages 4-5 Thanks to SIT2LRN, she was able to study full-time during lockdown and
and back cover for details. emerge on the other side with a new qualification and a renewed sense of
optimism.
Students residing in Invercargill
may also wish to enquire about the For some, lockdown was a blessing in disguise. Bryce Robertson was
Mayor Tim Shadbolt Accommodation regularly making a 346km round trip from Dargaville to Auckland to attend
Bursaries. Eligibility criteria for classes as part of his study through a blended delivery programme. But
the bursaries reflects that of the once lockdown arrived, they moved the classroom to Zoom … saving him a
Government Fees Free Policy. four hour roadie.
The Zero Fees Scheme
Yet this edition doesn’t just focus on those students affected by Covid-19.
If you are not eligible for the We’ve also got some inspiring stories about those who have embarked on
Government Fees Free Policy you new career paths, thanks to SIT2LRN.
may be eligible for the SIT Zero Fees
Scheme. Take Brook Rush for example. He put up his hand to be the office health
Our Zero Fees Scheme means and safety representative… but enjoyed it so much, he’s studying in the
we pay your tuition fees, so all field and is now moving into a full-time role as a health and safety officer
you have to pay for are the direct with a focus on wellness.
material costs and application
fee for your course. This applies There’s also an article about Maddie Bridge, who was so inspired by her
for all of our degree programmes mother’s study experience with SIT2LRN that she decided to embark
and most of our diplomas and on her own journey… while still at high school. She began studying with
certificates, including distance SIT2LRN at 15, with the goal to become a wildlife veterinary technician
learning programmes. Many of our or vet nurse working with endangered species. Talk about being an
graduates are able to start their inspiration herself!
careers debt-free! This is not an
exaggeration – over a three- year No matter how 2020 has treated you, it’s a relief that it’s almost over.
degree, our students can save But the question now is what will 2021 bring? How prepared are you to
between $7,000 -$14,000 on tuition face what life throws at you? Perhaps, like many in this issue have found,
fees. SIT2LRN will have an answer for you too.
CONTENTS
19 Brook Rush
04 11 - New Zealand Diploma
in Workplace Health and
Feature Articles Student Profiles Safety (Level 6) graduate
04 Bachelor of Professional 11 Julia Swanepoel
Communication and -New Zealand Certificate in 20 Wendy O’Connor
associated Graduate Horticulture (General) - New Zealand Certificate
Certificates and Graduate (Level 3) graduate in Animal Care (Level 3)
Diplomas graduate
06 Meet the Team 12 Sarah Bell
- New Zealand Diploma in 21 Courtney Sim
Adult and Tertiary Teaching - New Zealand Certificate
08 (Level 6) student in Interior Décor (Level 4)
graduate
Facilitator Profiles 13 Tasha Davie
- New Zealand Certificate 22 Donna Cameron
08 Anna Goble in Sport Coaching (Level 3) - New Zealand Certificate
- Bachelor of Professional graduate in Study and Career
Communication Facilitator Preparation (Level 4)
14 Renee McElligott graduate
09 Joy Kuhns
- New Zealand Certificate
-Bachelor of Applied
in Study and Career
Management Facilitator
10 Anna Smythe
Preparation (Level 4)
graduate
23
Contact Details
- New Zealand Certificate Careers in the
in Sport Coaching (Level 3) 15 Bryce Robertson
Facilitator - New Zealand Certificate in Wool Industry Freepost SIT2LRN
Private Bag 90114
Project Management (Level
133 Tay Street
4) Auckland graduate
15 Invercargill 9840
16 Maddie Bridge
04 - New Zealand Certificate Free Call: 0800 4 0 FEES
(within NZ)
in Animal Care (Level 3)
graduate Telephone: 03 211 2699 ext
3320
17 Heather Gordan Free Facsimile: 03 211 2698
- New Zealand Certificate
Email: info@sit.ac.nz
in Interior Décor (Level 4)
graduate Website: www.sit.ac.nz
18 Julie Dunn 20 Free Text: 2LRN (2576)
- New Zealand Certificate in Production Manager:
Education Support and Care Teri McClelland
(Level 3) graduate
Editor:
Mark Hotton
Contributors:
Claire Allison
Nathan Burdon
Anna Midhun
13 23 Co-ordinator:
Vicki Popham
Art Editor:
Elana Bai
12 Cover photo:
Tasha Davie of the Kiwi
Ferns in a try against the
Australian Jillaroos on 7
February 2016.
FEATURE ARTICLE
BACHELOR OF
PROFESSIONAL
COMMUNICATION
and associated Graduate Certificates
and Graduate Diplomas
The world of communications sector had also transformed away from a traditional “PR-
type” perspective into a wide-ranging and dynamic one
has changed dramatically since that continued to grow.
“We recognised the need for effective communicators,
SIT2LRN launched its Bachelor researchers, writers and leaders to have access to a
of Professional Communication, broad qualification that reflected the industry at the time.
It also coincided with declining demand for journalism
and related certificates and training, so it made sense for us to provide that training.”
diplomas. The course had been well received, with graduates
gaining employment in areas including education,
tourism, local government and journalism.
“But as part of our regular monitoring, it became clear
The course was first offered in 2014 because of industry the comms industry had evolved and matured and the
demand for communication graduates with a myriad demands for employees had changed. Our consultation
of skills. At the time, the practice of communications with the industry revealed there was demand for a course
was primarily led by former journalists often employed that offered the most contemporary communication
by the very organisations they had written about. learnings that meet the needs of industry on graduation.
It wasn’t unusual for the council reporter from
the local newspaper to become the local council’s “That’s why we’ve revised and updated the entire course
communications manager. and realigned many of the course aspects to ensure they
reflect that change and keep ahead of the curve.
Dramatic changes to the media landscape have placed
more focus on the role of communication practitioners, “It’s a natural evolution rather than a dramatic
as organisations seek to fill news voids by creating and revolution, and one I’m really excited about because
supplying their own information and content – in both we’ve again listened to industry leaders and worked
traditional written and also new media material. The role with them to create a training journey that will produce
of social media has also led to significant change in how graduates ready to move into the communications
organisations communicate to those interested in their world.”
products or services. While previously, experienced journalists looking for a
Bachelor of Professional Communication Programme career change or those already working in the industry
Manager Chris Montgomery said the communications wanting to qualify their skills had predominately been
4 SITUATION December 2020
FEATURE ARTICLE
those enrolling in the course, Chris expects the changes relying on theory and allows them to balance that theory
will lead to an increase in enrolments from younger against reality.
students coming into the industry looking to make their
“It will be really interesting to see where those projects
mark.
take students, because it really is a diverse and
“It’s an incredibly exciting and dynamic industry with fascinating sector,” Chris said.
so many facets and areas to specialise in, and it’s a
The changes will be introduced for intake one in 2021, but
real growth market from an employment perspective.
the impact on students would be minimal, Chris said.
We’re seeing a younger demographic looking at
communications as a real career option and this will only “With the degree they shouldn't notice any difference
accelerate with the changes we’ve made.” because only the new papers will be available for
selection.”
One of the biggest changes has been the focus and scope
of papers offered. While originally the focus was on With the graduate certificates and diplomas, students
public relations (or PR) and local government, which is should consult the transition tables available on the
where the demand was, so many organisations now had website programme page. And if they have any questions
a comms team and the goal was to ensure the course they should contact the programme administrator, he
produced graduates ready to step into those types of said.
roles, Chris said.
“I’m really excited by the new papers and am looking
“While there’s still demand from the likes of local forward to seeing where our graduates end up. It’s
government and other traditional organisations that have a dynamic sector and one that’s only going to grow
a need to communicate their stories, there’s increasing exponentially in the coming years.”
demand from the creative industries for comms experts
who can tell a story through great content creation.
“The comms industry is no longer just about sending
out a press release and hoping someone at a media
outlet reads it and uses it. Now the content options are
quite diverse, which is why we’ve included video and 2D
animation creation in the revised course.
“Employers are wanting graduates who are comfortable
creating multimedia content for distribution across
various platforms and, of course, SIT2LRN is in a great
position to be able to offer that from existing course
material.”
While all the papers have been reviewed and revised, and
some replaced with more relevant subject material, a big
change was made to the elective options.
“We’re still teaching the principles of communication
and how students can apply ethical, legal and business
principles as well as incorporating appropriate cultural
practices in various media communication contexts. That
focus hasn’t changed,” he said.
The PR graduate qualification has changed to ‘Corporate
Sector’ to represent the wider role of traditional PR in the
strategic communication operations within that sector,
while the Local Government graduate qualification
changes to a ‘Public’ Sector’ strand to meet the needs
of communications departments in all public sector
organisations (including councils and district health
boards).
“These will also appeal to those already in the industry
looking to hone their skills and obtain an appropriate
industry qualification while continuing to work in their
roles.”
A research project component has also been added to
enable students to engage in research of a contemporary
communication issue.
“That’s partly for the research skills, but also to allow
students to get their teeth into a comms issue that's
happening in real time. Research does form a bit
of comms but it gives them an opportunity to really
understand current issues in organisations rather than
SITUATION September
December 2020
2020 5
FEATURE ARTICLE
MEET THE TEAM
AISSA SANTOS-QUEROL
Aissa Santos-Querol originally came from the Philippines. Back home, she was a
Licensed Realtor by profession however, most of her work experiences revolved
around general administration, operations and management, both in the real
estate and entertainment industries. She started her journey in New Zealand
in 2017 as an international student. She completed her Postgraduate Diploma in
Applied Management (Level 8) in 2018 and eventually got a full-time job at SIT.
She manages most of the Horticulture and all of the Health and Safety distance
learning courses.
On a personal note, she spends most of her free time in the kitchen as she really
loves cooking and baking. She also enjoys listening to all kinds of music.
CHRIS MONTGOMERY
Into his eighth year at SIT, Chris is the longest serving programme manager in
the faculty but length of service hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for the job.
“I’ve seen so much change in my time here, there is always something different
going on, something new to challenge you, so you definitely don’t get bored. As
a faculty we have experienced huge growth, so there has been a lot of pressure
on us, but we work well as a team, we try and spread the load to help each other
out.”
Chris mainly manages the Business and Communication programmes but has a
passion for contemporary management theory.
“I like to challenge the norm, rock the boat so-to-speak. We have seen so much
change that has significantly impacted how we interact in business and society yet we are still running companies and
managing people using theories and methodologies from the last century.”
DEBBIE RANKIN
Debbie worked for SIT in the Programme Development Unit and at SIT2LRN for 10
years before spending 8 1/2 years in industry training with NZ Aluminium Smelter.
She has returned to SIT to be its Programme Manager at the picturesque Telford
Rural Campus located near Balclutha.
While working in industry was a great learning experience, Debbie missed the
great team at SIT and is loving working in education focused on the diverse food
and fibres sector, and with supporting youth to reach their potential. She is very
positive about the future of Telford.
DUSHANI RANASINGHE
Dushani Ranasinghe, originally from Sri Lanka, is the new addition to the
Programme Managers’ team. In Sri Lanka, Dushani was a Human Resources
Manager by profession and also a licensed counsellor. Dushani has completed
her Bachelors in HR, Postgraduate in Business, and her Master’s in Applied
Management.
Previous to her current role Dushani had been a facilitator with SIT2LRN. Dushani
also worked at “Work Read South Hub” attached to the Chamber of Commerce and
SIT as the HR Coordinator for Internship Programmes. She resides in Invercargill
with her family and loves spending time with them.
6 SITUATION
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ION December 2020
FEATURE ARTICLE
LUCILLE HATLEY
Lucille Hatley has been with SIT since 2006 and during her 14 years, has been in
various roles in SIT2LRN, New Media Arts and Business and the Telford Campus.
Most recently, since July 2019, she has been Programme Coordinator at the Telford
Campus, assisting in coordinating Project Management, Apiculture, Wool Clip
Grading, Wool Technology and a variety of other short courses.
Before immigrating to New Zealand in 2006, her background included work
experience in the hotel industry, owning her own café and working as a lecturer
and programme manager for a university of technology in South Africa in the
School of Business, Tourism and Hotel Management.
She is also a facilitator, supervisor and examiner for the Bachelor of Applied
Management Programme and Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise and is
a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser.
STEVE WOLLER
Steve is the Programme Manager for the arts and education courses and has been
working with SIT2LRN for 5 years. He brings with him a wealth of experience in
industry as well as a long association with education.
Before coming to Invercargill to study the Bachelor of Digital Media, Steve had a
real person job as a draftsperson creating plans for peoples dream homes. During
this time, he dabbled in art, writing, and other creative endeavours.
Since graduating in 2010 Steve has worked to increase his screen production
experience. This has led him to work on multiple short projects (MERV, 2013) and
feature films (Pete’s Dragon, 2016).
Alongside Steve’s programme management commitments he is completing a
Graduate Diploma in Education and he still tries to work on screen productions
when he can. An adaptation of the award winning short story The Fort (2019), his
first directorial role since graduation, was shot in late 2020.
Steve is also a keen gardener and enjoys pulling weeds nearly as much as rolling
takes.
SULINA SAHIB
Sulina Sahib is originally from Malaysia. She trained and qualified as a lawyer,
working ten years as a solicitor - first in private practice and then as legal counsel
for an international bank in Kuala Lumpur. She then set up and ran a profitable
stationery business whilst simultaneously starting and raising a family. In 2017, she
came to New Zealand to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Enterprise at
SIT.
She joined SIT2LRN in the dual role of Programme Operations Manager (POM)
and Development Coordinator in 2018. As POM, she manages the onsite business
programmes at the Auckland and Invercargill campuses and also the Small
Business and Project Management qualifications. She lives in Invercargill with her
3 boys who keep her busy and drive her, equal parts, to laughter and exasperation
with their antics. She enjoys reading and trying new recipes in her free time.
WARREN SMITH
Originally from Canada, Warren is well travelled and comes from a family of
educators. He played a range of sports growing up, but his passion was volleyball
which he played at university while studying towards an Honours Bachelor in
Physical Education. He completed a Master in Human Kinetics, specialising in
Sport Management, putting his studies to good use by helping run a Canadian
Beach Volleyball Tour that raised funds for programme designed to help the
differently abled find employment.
After spending 12 years teaching in Korea, Warren and his family moved to
Aotearoa to put his diverse education background to work with SIT2LRN. He
oversees the Bachelor of Applied Management (and associated Graduate
Certificates and Diplomas), Master of Applied Management, and Sport Coaching
qualifications.
SITUATION
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ION December 2020 7
FACILITATOR PROFILE
ANNA
GOBLE
Bachelor of Professional Communication facilitator
Southlander Anna Goble has
a passion for both the law
and for local government,
as well as a love for helping
and teaching people, which
makes her the perfect type of
SIT2LRN facilitator.
She studied law at the University of Anna tutored at university and who renovates houses, spends time
Otago and completed an arts degree discovered she loved helping and with her pets and has reality TV as
(political science major with New teaching people, particularly about a guilty pleasure, has also managed
Zealand studies), and has managed things she was passionate about. to intertwine her personal life with
to combine those topics in her So, when she spotted SIT2LRN was her passions – she’s busy wedding
professional life. seeking facilitators with an interest planning with fiancé Albie, who
in local government (even though she met when she was consulting
After graduation, she was an
she wasn’t quite sure what being a on a bylaw at council and he was
Invercargill City Council policy
facilitator involved!), she thought it submitting on it.
analyst for two years.
sounded perfect.
She’s also relishing the opportunity
“The role of a policy analyst is kind
“It was a great way to get my local to share her knowledge with
of like a 'jack of all trades, master
government ‘fix’ having committed to students, even if it’s been a baptism
of none' one where your working
being a fulltime solicitor.” by fire – she started facilitating as
day is never dull. I was involved
the country went into lockdown but
in corporate planning, preparing She facilitates three papers: BPC230
with the Covid-19 pandemic “being a
documents like the Long Term Plan, – Working in a Political Environment;
political minefield” that’s made for
Annual Plan, Annual Report and then BPC351 - e-Government; and
great discussions, and “now with
consulting with the public on these MGT218 – Contract Law and Business
the election and referenda results
documents. Relationships.
that’s meant for some fantastic
“Having a background in both law “I think I’ve found a pretty perfect engagement on the courses’
and politics was super important marriage of my two passions and it’s discussion boards”.
to this role and gave me a really been a real eye-opening experience
“I love helping students and just
good ground knowledge of local discussing assignment problems
hope they develop a passion for these
government processes.” with students as you can guarantee
areas after studying it – like I did.”
they will all come up with totally
Once she completed her law study
different answers.”
and was admitted to the bar, she
decided to practice as a solicitor, a Someone who likes to be busy, Anna
role she’s had for three years. admits she can go a “bit crazy” with
too much spare time. Which is just
“It’s never a dull day as a solicitor – I
as well, given the marriage celebrant
again feel like a jack of all trades,
specialising in civil litigation,
relationship property matters,
criminal matters, employment “I love helping students and just hope they
matters and the like. Sometimes a
local government matter pops up develop a passion for these areas after
and it certainly is a merge of my two
passions.”
studying it – like I did.”
8 SITUATION December 2020
FACILITATOR PROFILE
JOY KUHNS
Bachelor of Applied Management Facilitator
Joy Kuhns is
passionate about
facilitating for
SIT2LRN, after having
some extraordinary
opportunities
overseas.
After growing up in a large family
in impoverished circumstances,
Joy Kuhns couldn’t wait to leave
Christchurch and seek a better life.
She wound up in California, where
she cleaned Stanford-educated
professionals’ houses in Silicon
Valley. Without realising, those
professionals played a vital
mentoring role in her future – she’d
note their book collections and then
engross herself in what they’d learnt. hopeful and spirited mentoring of redesigning the Bachelor of Applied
my California friends, and through Management in HR. She also worked
After many years of study and hard the dedication of the teachers at the in the fast-paced logistics industry
work, Joy obtained a Bachelor of University of San Francisco, I had for a few years.
Science degree in Applied Economics made it!”
and a Master of Science in “Now that I am lucky enough to work
Organisational Development… while In 2009, changes at NASA began for SIT2LRN, I’m thrilled to be doing
working fulltime in small start-up affecting ELORET, and with an ill both course facilitation and course
companies, and becoming a single mother at home, Joy decided to development, and these fit in well
parent to her daughter. return to New Zealand. She was with my leadership practice.
struck by the positive significance
Clearly not one to step back from a “I thoroughly enjoy guiding students
of the economic changes in
challenge, Joy’s career progressed, – they give me such hope. I also
Christchurch, particularly having
and she would go on to spend love creating new course content –
returned at the height of the Global
10 years working for ELORET (a it’s like putting a puzzle together.
Financial Crisis and knowing the
company offering research and I try to balance academic rigor,
impact overseas.
engineering contract and consulting with contemporary and practical
services) at NASA, where they “After having had such exceptional interpretation, which mirrors my
employed research scientists learning opportunities, I switched own experience in being equipped for
working on the space shuttle and professions and became a teacher in today and also tomorrow.
other outer-planetary vehicles. the Department of Business at Ara,
“Over and above burying myself
formerly CPIT.
“I eventually became Vice President in books and journals, industry
of HR and it was a tremendous “On my first day, with a full lecture professionals have been so generous
privilege to work with such bright, hall, I realised that although I knew in sharing their expertise, which
down-to-earth and dedicated a little about business, I knew greatly benefits the students.
individuals. nothing about teaching – and it was
“I’m so fortunate to be continuing to
frightening! So, I gained my Diploma
“One day when presenting a quarter live my dreams, and these now also
in Tertiary Learning and Teaching.”
of a billion-dollar proposal in the include living a quiet life in my 1930s
Gold Room at NASA Ames Research Joy worked there for nine years, cottage at the beach, where I love to
Centre, I had a moment when I including providing pastoral care for walk and spend time with my family.
realised that ‘this was it’. With hard a year, co-designing the Diploma in Dreams do come true!”
work and passion, through the Human Resources nationally and
SITUATION December 2020 9
FACILITATOR PROFILE
theory of exercise prescription,
injury prevention and management,
nutrition, psychology, as well as
writing coaching sessions and
programmes for individuals and
groups of athletes.
“Students are required to work with
individuals and groups, considering
their characteristics and needs to
design sessions to target specific
goals.”
Family, horses, art and exploring are
other features of Anna’s life.
“Recently I’ve also been trying to
be a better gardener. When not
facilitating I am mostly chasing my
two young boys, Taika and Gabriel,
around and going on adventures
with them, but also riding horses
and managing a very small horse
ANNA breeding business, painting and
hiking. We are lucky enough to live
a short walk from a gorgeous beach
and spend a lot of time playing down
there.”
SMYTHE
New Zealand Certificate in Sport Coaching (Level 3) facilitator
Anna said the nature of the students
who enrol in the certificate meant
that she continues to learn alongside
them.
“Most of the students in sports
coaching are mature students
returning to study as sport and
Anna Smythe understands well the impact coaching is a passion. They are really
a great coach can have on an athlete’s keen to learn and develop their
coaching skills and they are so much
performance and life. fun to work with.
“The huge range of sports that
students are involved in means
A representative track and field a straightforward onwards-and- the material I’m reading is always
sprinter, Anna competed all over upwards journey.” different and interesting, and often
the world during a 15-year athletics I learn something new too. I love
Anna, who is based on the coast working from home and being able
career.
just North of Dunedin, has been to run to the beach or get out for a
“I was lucky enough to train with a involved with the Southern Institute ride to break up the day. Mental and
really special athletics coach for a of Technology for 15 years, helping physical wellbeing, having a balanced
long time and it opened my eyes to develop and facilitate both the health lifestyle, is really important to me
the influence a coach can have, not sciences and sports courses. and another thing that coaching can
only on sporting performance and help to develop.
With a Bachelor of Physical
development but also on many other
Education, and a Bachelor of Fine “I always get a buzz out of the
aspects of life,” she said.
Arts for good measure, Anna brings feedback from students regarding
“For a young athlete, a coach can be plenty of knowledge along with the sports psychology work and
a mentor and a friend and someone her practical experience to the the huge benefits they see in
who can help them to grow as a New Zealand Certificate in Sport their athletes. Some students are
person and develop self-confidence, Coaching. achieving amazing competitive
motivation and ownership, social results with their athletes and others
The certificate provides a great
skills, teamwork, and so on. I find are helping kids to feel positive and
grounding in coaching, Anna said.
the problem-solving aspect of confident – both are outstanding
coaching fascinating. It’s rarely “The course covers many different results.”
aspects of coaching, including
10 SITUATION December 2020STUDENT PROFILE
JULIE
SWANEPOEL
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) graduate
When Julie Swanepoel and her husband bought
their new home in Upper Hutt in 2013, she had a
blank canvas to create a dream garden.
There was just the minor issue that Julie has also had several medical “We learnt about
the canvas was covered in gorse and challenges that made studying
weeds. challenging but she wasn’t willing to soil types, plant
let those get in the way of completing propagation, different
The 7000sq m section offered the
her study and putting what she’d
perfect opportunity to experiment
with various plants and ways of
learnt into practice. types of plants
gardening, but she soon realised the “I had Retinoblastoma [an eye cancer both annuals and
clay soil made it difficult for anything that begins in the retina] at age 3 and
to grow and prosper. lost an eye. I had Perthes disease [a
perennials and plant
“I bought lots of plants and seeds
rare childhood condition that affects names, recognising
the hip] at age 5 so I couldn’t do
but I realised I needed to find out
much sport as a child so I tried as plant pests and
more about plants and the soil
requirements to create a lovely
many hobbies as possible. diseases and their
garden filled with flowers. I also During the past few years, she treatments. I’ve
wanted lots of fruit trees and a developed Trigeminal Neuralgia, a
veggie patch but I couldn’t really chronic pain condition that affects gained so much
grow even a carrot – I knew very little the trigeminal nerve in her face, after knowledge, all thanks
at the time. Some plants I even had the removal of her wisdom teeth in
to move as I learned through trial 2013, and then during her studies her to SIT2LRN.”
and error.” hip needed replacing.
So, with the help of Google, she came “It hasn’t been easy but I’ve been
across the New Zealand Certificate determined not to let things hold “I’ve now done lots of plant
in Horticulture (General) (Level 3) me back so managed to continue my propagation, along with gardening/
offered via distance learning through studies while recovering from the landscape plans for myself and for
SIT2LRN. operation.” several friends. I just love sharing
Although initially hesitant about Originally from South Africa, Julie the knowledge I’ve gained from the
studying such a hands-on topic such moved to New Zealand in 2008 for a course – and also seeing how my
as horticulture remotely, she found better lifestyle. garden is growing,” she said.
it really suited her because she was “We learnt about soil types, plant
“I always wanted my own garden
able to fit it in around her day job as propagation, different types of plants
filled with lavender and beautiful
an accountant. both annuals and perennials – I
flowers. I’ve got such a passion for
She was no stranger to distance nature, and love birds and trees and didn't know before some plants died
learning, she said. flowers.” back in winter or only lasted one
year! – and plant names, recognising
“I’d studied cost and management The course had been so beneficial in plant pests and diseases and their
accounting part-time via helping develop her understanding treatments. I’ve gained so much
correspondence after I completed of horticulture and how to achieve knowledge, all thanks to SIT2LRN."
school and while working full-time. things in the garden.
I also did a photography course
through correspondence.”
SITUATION December 2020 11STUDENT PROFILE
SARAH
CAROLINE
BELL
New Zealand Diploma in Adult and
Tertiary Teaching (Level 6) student
Sarah Caroline Bell has no
doubt that studying with
SIT2LRN was the best choice
she could have made for her
career.
Currently teaching in Seoul, Sarah is “But, although I had a lot of helped me reflect on the culture I
studying the New Zealand Diploma in classroom experience, I didn't have am working in and hopefully helped
Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 6) formal teaching qualifications. me to be more responsive to my
through SIT2LRN and plans to start students' needs.”
“This year, I decided to upskill and
a Master of Education in Literacy
chose the New Zealand Certificate She is looking forward to next year
Studies in 2022.
in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as a and the final two intakes of the
Growing up in Nelson and moving to starting point. I was really impressed diploma.
Christchurch for university, Sarah with how it taught best practice while
“But through the New Zealand
wasn’t really sure what she wanted utilising best practice. There were
Certificate in Adult Literacy and
to study, and didn’t have much many times I stopped and reflected
Numeracy, I've found a real passion
direction. on how the course was being run,
for helping all ages strengthen their
as well as the content of the course
She had done well in English at skills. I have a plan to start a Master
itself.”
school, and while at university of Education in Literacy Studies in
came across a job advertisement Sarah found a new job immediately 2022, and who knows from there! "
for a part-time English as a Second after graduating from the course.
“At the moment, I am happy with my
Language tutor.
“It isn’t in the area of literacy and studies and my work. I teach in an
“I decided to apply! It was pretty numeracy specifically, but it has a lot Adult Business English and General
nerve-racking, but I started out just to do with it because it is lecturing Conversation Academy, lecture
tutoring children on a 1:1 basis. Later, undergraduates, which I guess is a couple of content courses to
the school asked me to run full part of the purpose of ‘adult specific’ undergraduates, and teach English
classes, which was again daunting.” professional development for literature to young learners."
teachers.”
After graduating university with a “SIT2LRN has been the best
BCom and BA, Sarah applied for a job Sarah decided to push on with the choice I could have ever made for
outside of education. New Zealand Diploma of Adult and my career. It didn't just help me
Tertiary Teaching, which she started develop my skills and acquire new
“However, I felt like education was
in intake 3. roles, it also helped me uncover the
where I needed to be.”
passion I have for my occupation.
“I really enjoyed the papers, most
She moved to South Korea in 2011, I recommend it to anyone seeking
particularly the culture paper, which
got married and stayed on, with direction during these challenging
taught me so much about Pasifika
a brief time back in New Zealand times.”
and Maori-centered education. It
working in a somewhat related
occupation.
12 SITUATION December 2020STUDENT PROFILE
TASHA DAVIE
New Zealand Certificate in Sport Coaching (Level 3) graduate
SIT2LRN is helping former New
Zealand rugby league representative
Tasha Davie give back to the sport she
loves and create new opportunities for
young women.
Tasha started studying towards a “I’ve also played tag for New skill that they can execute better,
New Zealand Certificate in Sport Zealand, winning a World Cup in or a skill they could not do prior to
Coaching (Level 3) in May 2019, the 2012. In 2014 I started playing rugby me coaching. It’s also about giving
flexible nature of SIT2LRN helping sevens for Auckland Storm at the an individual the ‘tools’ to become a
her fit her studies around a busy life ripe old age of 38. I have also played better version of themselves, on and
as a mum and volunteer coach in representative touch rugby for off the field. It's very humbling to see
several codes. North Harbour, winning numerous a young person achieve ‘greatness’
championships and being selected in sport and in life.”
The fact the certificate was a
for the NZ Open Women's Touch
recognised NZQA qualification and It comes as no surprise that she
Team in 2004.”
could be applied practically to her is passionate about creating
coaching was also a big incentive, Tasha first got into coaching helping opportunities for girls and young
she said. out with her son’s rugby league team women to achieve through sport.
and her daughter’s tag team. For
“It was a recognised NZQA “There is so much more on offer for
the past four years she’s coached
qualification that could enhance my female athletes now, by being able
under-16 youth girls at her beloved
knowledge of coaching for all sports to make a career out of their chosen
Richmond club, as well as Auckland
fields that I’m involved with,” she sport. So, for me, being able to give
representative girls teams, high
said. these athletes the right tools to be
school girls teams at the Condor
able to be successful in their chosen
“This course suited my end goal and Sevens and was an assistant coach
sport is a huge success in my eyes,”
my time management.” for the Akarana Premier women’s
Tasha said.
team that just competed in the
Tasha brings plenty of playing
national grand final. “In my career we had to pay for
experience to her coaching, having
every World Cup and tour we had
played rugby league for more than Her love of coaching was cemented
representing our country. Now these
20 years. when she initiated an all-girls
ladies can make this their full-time
Youth Rugby League competition in
Playing out of the Richmond Rovers job, and with these opportunities it
Auckland.
Rugby League club in Auckland’s is only going to grow the talent and
Grey Lynn, she represented “For me to get this off the ground the standard of women's sport in
Auckland/Akarana in several and help grow the women's game I New Zealand, and that is something
national tournaments and went on had to invest in this space and help I want to be a part of and thanks to
to play for New Zealand at three by coaching a team,” she said. SIT2LRN, I’m doing that.”
World Cups, along with Anzac tests
“I really enjoy seeing growth in each
against Australia’s Jillaroos, and the
individual athlete. Whether it is a
Auckland Nines.
SITUATION December 2020 13STUDENT PROFILE
RENEE
MCELLIGOTT
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) graduate
SIT2LRN has provided Renee McElligott the
skills and confidence needed to take a leap
into a new career.
Completing the New Zealand “I was working and chose to do the
Certificate in Study and Career full-time course, which meant I was " The certificate gave me
Preparation (Level 4) provided very busy for the three months until I
the stepping stone she needed to completed that course.” a brief understanding
transition from hospitality to nursing.
Despite being 24 at the time, and on what to expect in the
Renee grew up on a dairy farm a few years since she had been at bachelor, so I definitely
in Woodlands, North-East of school, SIT2LRN made it very easy to
Invercargill, and attended boarding understand and follow, she said. recommend doing this
school at St Peter’s College in Gore.
“It was good because you could see before deciding about
After finishing school, 17-year-old all the exams for the whole course
Renee packed up and moved to and could submit any time before the the next step. If you
Queenstown to study at Queenstown due date, which worked well for me
Resort College, completing a because I submitted everything as
enjoyed the information
Diploma in Hospitality Management. soon as possible. I also enjoyed not in the certificate you will
having structured classes so I could
“This led me to getting a job at enjoy the learning in the
wake up early before work or do the
Millbrook Resort, which then led
learning whenever I found time.”
me to moving to Broome in Western bachelor or diploma."
Australia and working at a beach Completing the certificate led
resort where I ended up getting a lot to Renee’s acceptance in to the
of my management experience. Southern Institute of Technology’s
(SIT) Bachelor of Nursing in
“I spent four years in Broome,
Invercargill, and she has now
which gave me a lot of experience
completed her first year.
in retail, tours and hospitality. I
also completed another diploma in “The certificate gave me a brief
Australia, a first aid certificate and a understanding on what to expect
snake handling licence!” in the bachelor, so I definitely
recommend doing this before
Renee also took the opportunity to
deciding about the next step. If
travel when she could, but during
you enjoyed the information in the
her fourth year in Broome, she
certificate you will enjoy the learning
started thinking about her future.
in the bachelor or diploma.”
“That caused me to look into the
courses SIT2LRN had to offer, which
is where I found the New Zealand
Certificate in Study and Career
Preparation."
14 SITUATION December 2020STUDENT PROFILE
BRYCE
ROBERTSON
New Zealand Certificate in Project
Management (Level 4) Auckland
graduate
While rehabilitating
from an extensive injury,
Bryce Robertson has
been able to prepare
himself for a new role
in an industry he knows
well.
Bryce started the New Zealand "The staff were great. The tutor was personable
Certificate in Project Management and very approachable. The quality and content
(Level 4) through SIT2LRN’s blended
delivery programme in March before of the study was excellent – especially for a first-
the full ramifications of Covid-19
became evident.
time tertiary student who had left school four
Returning to study for the first time
decades ago! I figure if I can nail this anyone can!”
since high school, Bryce also had
a travel challenge, making regular
return trips of over four hours from test the waters first. This course business where I do the paperwork,
Dargaville to Auckland to attend dovetailed nicely with my years of manage the guys and certify the
classes. experience in my career. It helped work, making sure all is going to
me to formalise things I knew the task and the stakeholders are kept
“Initially there was a lot of travel basics of, but gave me an upgraded informed of processes and time
involved, but when Covid hit, our set of tools or skills, so to speak, to frames. There is a lot involved when
tutor set up Zoom classrooms. It was add to my toolbox.” it comes to health and safety and risk
great – we had all the Powerpoints management, contingency planning
and paperwork in front of us, and Learning how to study proved a
and budget – all the things involved
could interact and ask questions like challenge in the beginning, but Bryce
in my course.”
we were actually in class,” he said. quickly warmed to the task, drawing
on recent experience. The way the Southern Institute
“After Covid I attended another class of Technology adjusted to the
which was hands-on, but otherwise “It took me some time, but thankfully
challenges presented by Covid-19
Zoomed in, which was an excellent I had just recently project managed
was a game changer for Bryce.
idea.” the refurbishment of my parents’
home, so that was my first example “The highlight was being able to
The certificate was an ideal way of and made stepping into it a lot easier attend class via Zoom. It saved so
beginning a journey towards a career than it would have been,” he said. much time and money and the work
change. put in to do this was very much
Bryce now plans to put into practise
“My background is in plumbing, appreciated.
what he has learnt.
business owning, liaising with “The staff were great. The tutor was
contractors. I have a certified “It has given me more confidence
personable and very approachable.
plumber qualification, which means and a whole new perspective on
The quality and content of the study
I can oversee projects and jobs and business management. If I do any
was excellent – especially for a first-
sign these off. So as you can see more study going forward it will be
time tertiary student who had left
it leads into project management from a health and safety perspective
school four decades ago! I figure if I
nicely,” he said. to further expand my abilities,” he
can nail this anyone can!”
said.
“[The certificate] peaked my interest
– I have not studied before so this “I am still awaiting clearance but I’m
was all new to me, so I wanted to in the planning stages of working in a
SITUATION December 2020 15STUDENT PROFILE
MADDIE BRIDGE New Zealand Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3) graduate
Studying through SIT2LRN is allowing Maddie Bridge the
opportunity to follow her mum Michelle’s footsteps into a
career in conservation.
Maddie began studying through time and it was an opportunity for of Conservation and to go on to
SIT2LRN at 15, determined to her to teach me all she knows and become the National Predator Free
chart her own path towards a goal loves about New Zealand’s natural Communities Advisor.
of becoming a wildlife veterinary environment.”
“I remember reading this article and
technician or a vet nurse working
Maddie completed the New Zealand this led me to my studies at SIT2LRN.
with endangered species.
Certificate in Animal Care (Level 3), Mum was working full-time as well,
“I grew up immersed in wildlife. My while also studying NCEA Level 2, and I remember hearing her up
dad and mum both have a great love along with other study. and about at 4am working on her
of animals as does my older sister assignments before she started
“I wanted to progress toward my
Chelsea, who is about to embark on work.
chosen career before I finished high
pursuing her studies toward a New
school and the easiest way of doing “I felt inspired by Mum’s
Zealand Certificate in Animal Care
that was to continue my NCEA Level commitment and knew if I worked
with SIT2LRN next year,” Maddie
2 studies and gain the first of my just as hard, I could juggle two
said.
NZQA qualifications at the same qualifications at the same time. My
“From a young age my parents time,” she said. mum set a high standard though,
encouraged me and my siblings – a achieving A+ marks in all her papers
“Studying through SIT2LRN allowed
sister and two brothers – to develop and when I started my study we
me to pursue both qualifications. My
an understanding and affinity with joked about this, it became a bit of
mum had just completed a Certificate
our own endangered species here in a challenge and I am pleased to say
in Environmental Management
New Zealand. I achieved the same result in all my
and highly recommended
papers.”
“Our family holidays were always SIT2LRN. Studying with SIT2LRN
tramping and camping in national by correspondence meant mum SIT2LRN is helping create the
parks and I developed a deep could continue to work and gain the pathway for Maddie’s dreams and
understanding and connection with knowledge she needed to pursue a aspirations.
the environment and New Zealand’s career in conservation – I wanted to
“My overall goal is to be involved in
native fauna and flora. When I was do the same.”
animal rescue either here in New
10, my parents took a year off work
Maddie was inspired by her mum’s Zealand for the SPCA or working
and bought a house truck and we
drive and achievements. in wildlife management and the
travelled around New Zealand as
protection of endangered and
a family venturing into remote “My mum had an article written
threatened species. My SIT2LRN
locations and learning more about about her in this magazine in 2018. It
studies were the door to unlocking
our unique landscape. My mum described how she was successful in
my goals.”
home-schooled me during this securing a job with the Department
16 SITUATION December 2020STUDENT PROFILE
HEATHER
GORDON
New Zealand Certificate in Interior Décor (Level 4) graduate
With the hospitality industry hit hard by
Covid-19, studying through SIT2LRN has
given Heather Gordon the option of taking
her career in a new direction.
Heather has completed the New “I had always been interested in what made an interior work and how
Zealand Certificate in Interior Décor interiors but knew that to be able to create it.”
(Level 4) and now has her eye on to work in sales in paint, wallpaper,
Heather researched several online
SIT2LRN’s landscape design course, kitchen design or furnishing fabrics I
interior design courses, but chose
while still exploring opportunities in would need to learn more about it."
SIT2LRN because she wanted to
the hospitality industry.
gain a formal qualification from an
Most of her career has been in sales accredited polytechnic.
and marketing for deluxe hotels
"I loved every minute “The course was fabulous in every
and resorts, working in Auckland,
way. I learned an enormous amount
Sydney, Queenstown, Christchurch
and for nine of the past 12 years she
of it and am so – far more than I could ever have
imagined. It covered many topics –
has worked in Fiji. grateful to SIT2LRN elements of design, colour theories,
She was in Fiji this year when the and the facilitators developing design concepts, wall and
Covid-19 pandemic arose and she floor coverings, furnishing fabrics,
had to return to New Zealand with 24 who developed it lighting, building plans, timelines for
hours’ notice. and who were very scheduling of renovations, budgets
and more."
“It was a bit traumatic at the time supportive. It was the
as it all happened so quickly – I was “I liked that each paper was broken
working 12 hours a day in a resort one constant in my up into several topics, which kept it
one day and the next day was alone life in a very uncertain interesting and each component built
in my uncle’s small bach in Tairua on the previous components. I loved
on the Coromandel Peninsula with time. I now have developing a concept or being given
no job." knowledge I can use a design style and then sourcing
the components and putting it all
“I found out on the plane that
New Zealand was going into total
in a new industry if together in mood or sample boards.”
lockdown the next day. What was I choose to and for From her Rangiora home, Heather
going to be 14 days’ self-isolation found distance learning worked well
turned into seven weeks in
myself in my own for her.
lockdown and I stayed at the bach environment." “I loved every minute of it and am
for four months before relocating to
so grateful to SIT2LRN and the
Christchurch.”
facilitators who developed it and who
During lockdown, Heather decided were very supportive. It was the one
she needed to do something positive “Before I bought my cottage I constant in my life in a very uncertain
for herself and her future. had spent about a year looking at time. I now have knowledge I can use
properties on TradeMe and it struck in a new industry if I choose to and
“With the uncertainty around Covid me how uninspiring the interiors of for myself in my own environment.”
and the tourism industry I knew that so many of our homes are – I have
I would likely have to transfer my always thought it must have an effect
sales skills to another industry." on our psyche. I wanted to learn
SITUATION December 2020 17STUDENT PROFILE
JULIE DUNN
New Zealand Certificate in Education Support and
Care(Level 3) graduate
Even though she has a busy home life,
Julie Dunn is excited about being able
to embark on a new career path thanks
to the support of SIT2LRN and her
facilitators.
After completing a Registered “Throughout the course my facilitator "At times I struggled
Nursing Diploma out of high school was extremely supportive and very
and working in the psychiatric knowledgeable,” Julie said. to understand the
field for a decade, Julie moved to
Australia, got married and had two
“At times I struggled to understand questions in an
the questions in an assignment
children. assignment and my
and my facilitator was always very
“Because my husband was a farmer, helpful. After my assignments were
I left my nursing career behind and marked and returned to me, there
facilitator was always
instead helped my husband on the would be detailed comments about very helpful. After my
farm and raised our two girls. When each aspect of the assignment. It
we returned to New Zealand and the was great to receive the positive assignments were
girls were older I decided I wanted to feedback.”
gain the skills to work with special-
marked and returned
During her practical intake at a
needs children and the idea of being
primary school, the encouragement to me, there would be
a learning support person appealed
to me,” Julie said.
of her facilitator was also valuable. detailed comments
“I had a few issues arise with one
“I searched the internet for available
of the children I was working with. I
about each aspect
distance learning courses as we lived
out in the country and discovered
could email my facilitator and receive of the assignment. It
professional words of wisdom from
a few options available, but the
her, which was a huge relief,” she was great to receive
SIT2LRN New Zealand Certificate
said.
in Education Support and Care the positive feedback.”
was exactly what I was looking for. “I absolutely loved the practical
The course content sounded really intake and worked alongside two
appealing and the intake dates were five-year-old children who had
flexible, which would enable me to autism. It was a challenge but very
continue my own workload at home rewarding. I had to have my practical “The course also involved discussion
and on the farm.” assignments seen by the special groups with other students
education needs co-ordinator at participating in the course and we
Julie said the application process
the school as part of the course would comment on each other's
was straightforward when she
requirements. She was so impressed ideas, which I found really great. It
enrolled for the New Zealand
with the content of the workload was like being in a classroom even
Certificate in Education Support and
in the course that she asked all though you were at home,” she said.
Care (Level 3) in May 2019.
the other learning support people
“At the completion of my certificate
The support and guidance provided employed in the school if they would
we became busy with calving on the
by her facilitator had helped her consider doing the course.”
farm, but when we are quiet again
adjust back into study and ensured
The interaction with other students I am looking forward to working
she remained engaged.
on the course had also added to the alongside children with autism in an
experience, she said. education setting.”
18 SITUATION December 2020You can also read
