New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4)

Eden Stewart - Business Administration

“I’m doing Business Admin because I’ve always wanted to do accounting but I dropped out of school at 15. I have two young sons and I want to get an education to get a good job and give them a stable life. My Mum studied in her late 30s and I saw how hard it was for her so I wanted to start earlier.”

“I thought about it for a few years then decided to start at level 3 or I would be struggling. It’s only 20 hours a week in class and 20 hours at home. I couldn’t study at home so I commute from Dargaville for the three class days a week and I love what I’m learning.”

“Excel and the accounting side is more of challenge and we’ve just started doing Xero. I like numbers but there is a lot to it and I’m taking my time so I understand it as I go. The industry is wanting people with Xero experience now.”

“I’m surprised at how well I’m doing and I even got an extra certification from the Business Administration Forum. It’s making me feel competent. The tutors are easy to approach and very encouraging and the students are all motivated because we are here for a reason.”

“I’m keen now to go on with more study next year and I’ll see what unfolds from there.”

Iwi – Ngapuhi

Hapū - Ngati Kura.

Evelyn Gillett - Business Admin

“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.”

Gail Kirkland - Business Administration

“I have a part time job as a medical receptionist, I have a 13 year old son who is my inspiration and motivation, and I’m studying. I love challenges and I love being productive.”

“I had a background in admin with cruise ship reservations, but then I had a medical vision issue and surgery so couldn’t work for three years. A lot has happened technologically in that time so I needed to get myself back up to speed and I’d heard great things about NorthTec.”

“As soon as I got clearance after the last eye operation, I secured some income with the receptionist job. I then enrolled here to upskill and get back up to date. I haven’t studied for 20 years so there are heaps of challenges but I’m hungry to learn and the tutors keep us driven and encouraged.”

“My next step is to do a Bachelor in Applied Management which opens me up to possibilities in any industry, but I may do practice management in health as I’m in the health sector now. I supported my Mum through her cancer journey and it opened my eyes to what’s important. I want to do something that matters –something that helps people.”

“The ultimate job for me would be Marketing Manager in a hospital. I’ve looked at certain positions and that’s the right mix for me.”

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to study here at NorthTec. The support zone here is huge whether it is for career path, health or finance, and it has given my son and myself a new start in life.” 

Dad:  Iwi – Maniapoto, Hapū – Rereahu

Mum: Iwi- Ngati Hine, Hapū – Ngati Te Tarawa  

Jamee Brown - Business Administration and Computing

“I’m a nanny. I grew up here, moved to Auckland, then recently moved back after I had my daughter. It was hard to get related work up here so it was time to retrain.”

“Business is part of every industry, so I thought I’d do Business Management. I realised though that I wasn’t feeling confident, so this course is a better start point for me. This is all new to me so some things are challenging but the tutors are great, they cater to individual needs, and we work at our own pace. The course hours are 9 - 2:30, so for mums getting back into the workforce, this course is perfect.”

“There’s fun atmosphere here and the tutor has a real sense of humour so keeps the mood light and fresh. You need that in a classroom.”

“I’ll go straight on and do level 4, take a break while I have my second baby, then do Business Management. Eventually I will do my early childhood training in Whangarei then maybe open an early childhood centre here with my partner.”

Jaimee Poutai - Business Admin

“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.”

Nikita Erihe - Business Administration and Computing

“I love learning new things and meeting new people in this course. I didn’t know all this stuff existed. I was working in Auckland at things like fork-lift driving but I wanted to do something more with my life.”

“Then when I had my daughter, she was in and out of hospital for her first three years, so I came back up here to get support from my family in caring for her. My mum was the inspiration for me to start to study because she went back to school at 35 and is now a registered nurse.”

“I knew how good NorthTec was because my sister had been here.  Numbers are a bit tricky for me but there is so much tutor support. I’ll go on to the next level of business study from here then I’ll be in a position to get a good job and create a better life for me and my daughter.”

“One day I’d like to work for myself and open a business up here. I already see gaps in the town for small businesses if they are done well. You’re never too old to learn. Keep chasing your dreams.” 

Vanessa Arcus - Business Administration

“I studied Tourism at high school, gaining a certificate in Tourism Core Skills and it introduced me to the world of travel. I now want to get into the business side of tourism.”

“I’m starting with business training to get some skills then will go onto the tourism course they have here.  I have learned document formats and layouts that I can also apply outside the course in general life, and I’m meeting a whole range of people.  Our class mates are all ages and backgrounds and come from a range of countries “.

“Already I am gaining confidence. In our assignments we had to find and interview someone in the business world and I’m learning how to interact with people on the phone professionally.  Last semester I did a presentation on a topic of my choice in front of the whole class, which I would usually try to avoid. I surprised myself by doing well.”