UCOL enrolments confirm vocational approach to study

ednesday 16 February 2011

The pattern of enrolments for the first semester at UCOL in Palmerston North suggests students are taking a more vocational approach to their choice of study programmes.

There are also indications that Government policies linking student loans to study success are having an effect.

Deputy Chief Executive - Strategy (Marketing) and Dean of the Humanities & Business Faculty Clive Jones says there are still a limited number of places available on some programmes but people will need to be quick, just a week out from the start of Semester One.

Mr Jones says enrolments are particularly popular in programmes providing strong employment opportunities, including Nursing and Engineering. “This includes high enrolments for our new Electrical Engineering qualification, the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Level 6.

“When we launched this qualification last year we noted that it would help meet the skill shortage being experienced by the electrical and electrotechnology industry. Graduates are highly likely to get a job in the industry at a very favourable salary – in New Zealand and overseas. It’s pleasing that students have taken that on board and enrolled in the programme.”

Mr Jones says enrolments in most Trades programmes are also robust. “This includes certificate programmes in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Panel and Paint and Electrical and Related Trades. Enrolments in business programmes have been slower.

He says it’s also pleasing to note one of UCOL’s newest programmes, the Certificate in Contemporary Music, has very strong enrolments this year: More than 40 students are enrolled on the Music programme, compared with 25 in its inaugural 2010 year.

Mr Jones says there are also indications that new rules for loans from StudyLink are having some impact. “We experienced a rush of early enrolments. However since then a number of students have been turned down for StudyLink loans which now depend on a favorable study track record.”

He says UCOL is also already seeing some very positive results from its new enrolment procedures. “We now place an even greater emphasis on ensuring that students are placed on the right programme, at the right level for them. This is working well, with most applicants now placed in appropriate programmes for their abilities, attitudes and aspirations. That gives them a much greater opportunity to succeed”.

A number of UCOL programmes, including most of the Trades programmes, started this week. Semester One at UCOL starts next Monday.

Mr Jones says enrolments are still being accepted for later-starting programmes and there are still some places available, including a limited number on the Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging programme (BAVI). Prospective BAVI students can check a special display in the Plaza tomorrow (Thursday).

“However, time is running out,” Mr Jones says. “People who want to make 2011 the year in which they gained a valuable new qualification should act quickly if they want to get in for the first semester. They can ring us on 0800 GO UCOL or go to our web site www.ucol.ac.nz”

He says it’s still too early to say where enrolment levels for the semester will rest, compared to previous years.

ENDS

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