Whitireia has been adapting its courses to provide flexible, efficient, hands-on qualifications to the growing number of students who need more than general qualifications.
With a completion rate of 90% in 2008 Whitireia is a leading provider of qualifications in a number of subjects, with levels ranging from foundation to postgraduate.
Of particular note is the thriving Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying and Roofing. The one year certificate is now in its fifth year and is strongly supported by local industry.
"Our success is simple really, says Tutor John Sharp. We treat all our students as adults, we provide half practical and half theory based learning, we imbed confidence and skills in our students and support them from the day they start, right through their apprenticeships and into their careers." Because of the breadth of the skills included in the certificate, students can branch off into a number of different trade professions. And they are doing just that; of the 351 current apprentices in the Wellington region all are currently employed in the field of their chosen trade.
A number of local businesses and ITOs support and sponsor the Whitireia Trades courses. "They support what we are doing here because at the end of the day they want to employ our graduates, says John. So they are investing what they can to ensure Whitireia students are getting the best qualifications and will be the best employees."
 Student Kelsey Sciascia enjoys hands-on learning in the Automotive workshop. |
As well as mandatory work-experience during trades courses, students can return during their apprenticeships to free fortnightly study classes. In these tutors offer further mentoring to students who studied at Whitireia. Whitireia also offers upskilling for already qualified tradesmen.
In July Whitireia students in the Certificate in Carpentry will begin building a Habitat for Humanity home. Which not only provides the opportunity for students to get more hands on experience, but will ultimately benefit the community by providing a brand new home for a family. "Habitat for Humanity is delighted to partner with Whitireia Polytechnic in this new way, says Gillian Burns resource Development Manager of Habitat for Humanity. By working together we will be able to help an additional Porirua family realise their dream of owning an affordable home of their own."
Providing flexible learning to today's busy community is an ongoing development. With online courses ranging from Computing, Office Administration, Publishing, Creative Writing and Travel, Whitireia also offers modules online, where students can learn at their own pace and at a time that suits.
Whitireia doesn't only cater for school leavers or up-skilling either, but also offers an easy transition into a change of career for adults who have not studied for years. Stephen Deller had worked at Placemakers for six years before he decided to pursue a career as a Chef. He enrolled on the Whitireia Certificate in Professional Cookery in February and has already won a medal at the Wellington Culinary Fare (in May) and can boast a 98% average on his course. "I had my reservations about returning to study, says Deller. But it has been really great. At Whitireia the tutors foster your own style of learning, catering to different individual's needs and skills."
The Learning Skills Centre at Whitireia is available for both students and staff. The Centre offers one on one mentoring, peer assistance and examination assistance, to help students and staff alike with study and learning skills, time management, planning for exams and assignments and understanding of coursework. Students can either come to the learning centre or mentors can work with them in classroom situations. Language skills, computing skills and help with disabilities are also readily available.
"The support service here at Whitireia is the best in New Zealand, says new President of the Whitireia Independent Student Association, Loretta Ryder. I have been a student representative at tertiary institutes nationwide and Whitireia has the best. I love that the help here is tailor made to suit every student, since I have been at Whitireia I have never been without help."
Prior Learning is also recognised at Whitireia, making it possible for students who have gained prior skills and knowledge through work or other activities to achieve credits towards a course when enrolling at Whitireia.
Whitireia is also home to a number of Postgraduate Qualifications in Health, Education and Social Sciences, leading the country in its high standard of courses for registered health professionals. These courses are distance courses, catering to professionals from seven surrounding District Health Boards.
In July Whitireia will become the second tertiary institution in the country to provide a Bachelor of Nursing Māori, which will be run alongside the already successful Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific).
"Whitireia will continue to provide excellent education and training opportunities for individuals, developing their talents and abilities in order to contribute to the social well-being and economic success of our society," says Chief Executive Don Campbell.