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Sheila was working as a phlebotomist when she decided to retrain for a change of direction.
Having covered the receptionist position at times, she decided she enjoyed the work and would like to upskill and develop her professional skills.
Sheila completed the National Certificate in Business Administration and Computing (Level 3) in 2015, and has since gone on to work part time as a medical receptionist at two Whangarei GP practices, and also for a visiting specialist dermatologist.
Sheila said: “I like receptionist work because I really enjoy helping people, making appointments for them and meeting them. There is no shortage of work – in fact there is a shortage of skilled receptionists at the moment.
“I really enjoyed studying at NorthTec. At first I was a bit apprehensive, being an older student – I thought I would be the oldest. It turned out there were a few older people in the class, and interacting with the younger students was also great. They know everything about computers!
“I made some new friends and I really loved the tutor. I came out of the course 100 per cent more confident than when I started. I was put out of my comfort zone many times, but it’s only when you go through it that you realise how strong you are and what you are capable of doing. I found some strengths I didn’t know I had.”
Sheila advises anyone who is thinking about studying the programme to go ahead: “Just try it, because what have you got to lose?”
“It’s great to be able to study locally. Being in a classroom environment makes you strive that little bit harder and...
This is giving me the skills and requirements to re-enter the work force and I’m happy to get a foot in the door. It...
“I became a mum seven years ago and felt it was important to spend the early years with my children. Now they are a little older I have decided to re-train to be able to re-enter the workforce.”
“I looked carefully at what training and work would suit, and Business Admin ticked the boxes. I like dealing with people, providing good customer service, knowing I’m valued by both customers and the work team, and the hours can be flexible. I did this course 20 years ago but with the evolution of technology I thought it was best to upskill.”
“I love the enthusiasm here of both the students and the tutors and it’s great being connected to people and a team again. We get all sorts of opportunities to present work, we have a chance to do job interview role play, research jobs, write a fresh CV and plenty of Word and Excel learning. We also cover accounting and learn how to use Xero.”
“This is giving me the skills and requirements to re-enter the work force and I’m happy to get a foot in the door. When I am fortunate enough to obtain a job, I know I am more than capable of upskilling if a further qualification is necessary.”
“At the moment things are still evolving and I am learning that it’s important to make the most of every opportunity and to have the right people around you to grow and develop.”
I’m finding out that I love learning. It’s exciting to me. I need help so I’m the one that asks 100 questions. I was...
“Friends had done NorthTec courses, so as soon as my kids were both in kindy and school, I came here to see what course I could do and found Business Admin. I missed out at school so level 3 was a good starting point for me.”
“I’m finding out that I love learning. It’s exciting to me. I need help so I’m the one that asks 100 questions. I was hesitant to put my hand up at first but the teachers encouraged me to just go for it. It’s a challenge but I’m understanding the work and learning some good study skills.”
“I’m surprised at the range of opportunities that will open up when I get trained. There’s so much I can do.”
“We have a great team here. We all love it, support each other and keep in touch outside the course. The teachers support us with whatever we need.
“My goal at the moment is to get my learning skills up first and complete the course. I’ll then move on to level 4 next year. I want to keep my options open.”
“A lot of people know me and I didn’t have a good profile, so I want people to see that if I can do it, they can do it. Getting into study and achieving results is making me feel so much better.”
“I love what we learnt at NorthTec but also the way we learnt it. We did lots of role plays and demonstrations so we...
The business administration and computing course has proved its worth for Desiree, who since graduation has quickly progressed through to a store manager position with Dick Smith in Takapuna.
“My NorthTec studies have played a huge part towards me getting my foot in the door. The knowledge I gained, as well as the qualification, really helped me move up the management ladder as quickly as I have.”
On finishing the NorthTec course in 2013, Desiree’s dream job was to become CEO of a retail franchise, and it seems she is now well on her way. From NorthTec she went into a part-time sales job with Dick Smith, Waipapa, and began a retail apprenticeship with the company.
“I became a key-holder in the Waipapa store, meaning I could open and close the store alone, and was then promoted to a sales manager. A couple of months later I moved to Auckland, as I was placed into the store manager training programme, and I am now a store manager.”
“I currently run Dick Smith, Takapuna. However this is not the end for me. I plan on taking more and more steps until I have reached the top. The next step I wish to take will be to become a regional manager.”
“I have so much more confidence and belief in myself since starting part-time work as a Community Computer Coach at...
“I have so much more confidence and belief in myself since starting part-time work as a Community Computer Coach at Kaitaia NorthTec campus. I’ve discovered that I really like teaching. I love the excitement on the students’ faces when they get an ahh-hah moment. I’ve been there just recently myself, so I can really relate.”
“I studied Computers and Admin for Small Business at NorthTec starting from level 2 and completing level 4 at the end of 2017. I loved being with the other students, and the tutors went above and beyond to help us. I found the course content interesting and the open-book assessments made getting good grades easy.”
“I’ve done two more courses since then – one in Small Business Management at NorthTec, and a Certificate in Money Management at Te Wananga in Kaitaia. I’m keen to do more teaching and at this stage am exploring what that might be.”