UCOL celebrates U-Skill Academy ākonga success

UCOL has celebrated the achievements of ākonga from its U-Skills Academy programmes at a series of prizegiving ceremonies across the rohe over the past several weeks.

U-Skills Academy programmes give Year 11-13 students the opportunity to gain industry-relevant skills, earn NCEA credits and explore pathways into tertiary study.

The events, held in Wairarapa, Manawatū, Whanganui, and Horowhenua, saw ākonga receive programme completion certificates, alongside awards recognising Outstanding Student, Most Improved and Most Dedicated recipients in each region.

UCOL Manager Secondary/Tertiary Partnerships, Hayden Robinson, says the ceremonies were a fitting way to recognise the hard work and achievements of ākonga throughout the year.

“Each ceremony has been a special celebration, not only for the ākonga, but also for the whānau who have supported them every step of the way.

“These events are also an opportunity to acknowledge our staff, whose guidance and encouragement help learners achieve their goals.

"Our lecturers and transition coordinators work closely with ākonga throughout the year, so it’s incredibly rewarding to celebrate their success and present them with their certificates.

" Through U-Skills, ākonga gain hands-on industry skills and knowledge while also building confidence, independence and other valuable personal skills. Seeing that personal development over the year is just as rewarding as watching them build their technical skills.”

UCOL had 800 students in U-Skills programmes this year; 380 in Manawatū, 150 in Whanganui, 200 in Wairarapa, and 70 in Horowhenua/Kāpiti.

The full list of award receipients:

Wairarapa - 300 attended on 13 October

• Dedication - Miles Upton (U-Skills Academy Construction L3)

• Most Improved - Ropati Sioasi (U-Skills Academy New Zealand Police Pathways L3)

• Outstanding Student - Jade Connor-Bull (NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education L3)

Manawatū - 500 attended on 15 October; featuring guest speaker Melanie Taite, Director of Education for Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatu at the Ministry of Education.

• Dedication – Reremoana Gibson (U-Skills Academy Defence Pathways Level 2)

• Most Improved – Te Aomihia Swannell-Kaa (U-Skills Academy Applied Construction Design L3)

• Outstanding Student – Jayanna Edmonds (NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education L3)

Whanganui - 300 attended on 21 October; featuring guest speaker Jon Bowen, Principal Adviser Secondary Transitions at the Ministry of Education.

• Dedication - Cody Meads (U-Skills Academy Automotive L2)

• Most Improved - Ariahna Fegai (NZ Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics L3)

• Outstanding Student - Nirvana George (NZ Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics L3)

Horowhenua - 100 attended on 29 October

• Dedication – Sam Morgan (U-Skills Academy Construction L3)

• Most Improved – Puhi Chapman-Rangiheuea (U-Skills Academy Defence Pathways Level 2)

• Outstanding Student – Cole Kreegher (U-Skills Academy Automotive L2)