CPIT Celebrates Graduate Success

CPIT Celebrates Graduate Success

When Douglas Hall decided on a career change to civil engineering, he didn’t know he would soon be involved in the biggest infrastructure build in New Zealand’s history.

In 2007 Douglas transferred to Christchurch from west Auckland, where he was working as a fitter and turner, to study at CPIT and provide a better environment for his family. He will receive his engineering diploma at the CPIT Graduation Ceremony on Thursday with his family, including his mother from Auckland, in attendance.

“Coming to CPIT was the best thing I ever did,” he said. “I needed a challenge and now I have a good position as a site engineer with Downer, the pay is a lot better and I enjoy my work more.”

Douglas is one of some 550 students who will attend the graduation ceremonies to receive certificates, diplomas and degrees from the South Island’s largest polytechnic institute this Thursday. A total of 2,200 students were eligible to receive their qualifications.

Both the rescheduled Autumn graduation and the Spring graduation will be held on the 15 September at the CBS Canterbury Arena at 10am and 2pm respectively. CPIT has traditionally held graduations ceremonies in the Town Hall, however that venue sustained earthquake damage and is not available. The February earthquake also caused the March graduation ceremony to be postponed.

“It is very pleasing to see the number of students who were to have graduated in March attending this special event and I am delighted so many of them will be able to celebrate with their family and friends,” CPIT Chief Executive Kay Giles said. “I congratulate all the graduating students on their success. People have come from overseas just for this event and many will have their families with them so it makes this a very special occasion for everyone and a proud time for CPIT.”

Yukiko Kondo travelled from Japan for the ceremony. She is visiting Christchurch for just five days to receive her certificate in interior design, which she completed in 2010. Yukiko said the occasion was very significant for her family and marked a special milestone in her life.

“I studied the art & design foundation course and English before going on to interior design,” she said. “At first my English was not so good. But the students were very helpful and so were the tutors.”

Yukiko was most looking forward to seeing her classmates and tutors at the ceremony.

ENDS

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