With business booming and Horowhenua and Kapiti set to host more and more major infrastructure projects, UCOL Horowhenua is wanting to make sure training opportunities are available and accessible.
Preparations are well underway for ‘learning as normal’, so that study will continue whatever the next few months bring. To further support those wanting to make the most of this year, UCOL is wanting to hear from people who need help with transport in order to study.
UCOL Kaiwhakahaere Horowhenua Yvonne Seng said that learning new skills takes commitment, and barriers like transport shouldn’t get in the way. “We have a really supportive, whānau atmosphere here at UCOL and we always do as much as we can to help our learners. However, what we’re hearing is that, particularly in Kapiti, transport can be a real issue for people. I’d like to hear from anyone who is experiencing this, so we can find ways to help.
“Most of our courses are free this year thanks to Government subsidies, and we have a number of scholarships available for students, especially those interesting in Māori and Pasifika Trades Training. We also have great learning support and teaching staff – case in point, we were thrilled to be recognised as New Zealand’s first ever dyslexia-friendly campus. There’s so much for learners to take advantage of, and we don’t want to see anyone missing out.
Most courses start on 21 February, with places still available in Construction Level 3, Early Childhood Education Level 3 and 4, and Beauty Therapy Level 4 and 5.
Beauty Therapy Level 5, a new course introduced this year, has been a particular standout, with bumper enrolments thanks to strong industry and learner demand. Construction, which is fees free thanks to the Government’s free trades funding, has also remained strong over the last three years.
UCOL is also looking at introducing more programmes such as Construction Trades Supervision Level 5, Specialised Skin Care Therapy Level 6, Mental Health, Enrolled Nursing, Automotive, Farming Systems, and Agriculture. “Enrolled Nursing is quite exciting – the health sector is vital to our communities, and we’re eager to reach new learners and show them what’s possible here.”
Anyone interested in any of these can phone 0800 GO UCOL or email
enquiries@ucol.ac.nz. These programmes may start as soon as July.
Meanwhile UCOL’s cookery, food and beverage, business admin and technology, and health and wellbeing programmes are being taught under contract at HLC.
“Employment is at an all-time high, and often that means people want to boost their skills to keep up with their job and their futures,” says Yvonne. “Most of our students work part time, and try to be as flexible as possible to support them so they can do both. Employers are generally supportive of this approach too - everyone benefits from earning while learning.”
With programmes starting next week, UCOL is a great option to build your learning with practical courses that lead to jobs, supported by industry-trained tutors and personal campus support.
UCOL is open for study at the Red level of the COVID-19 Protection Framework, with the requirement that students and staff need to have a Vaccine Pass.
“Our nation is facing uncertain times, but it’s also a chance for us to take a moment, and plan what we want for our future. If people in our community are wanting to invest in themselves, it’s a great time to get a qualification that will set you up for the future you want to see.”